The start of my re-BUILD; let the games begin!!

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

Well, after my missed shift in March, and a lull that was all too long, I'm starting to put the engine back together. I don't have all of my longblock parts back yet, but I can indeed start putting the bottom end together, which is what I started on today.

I spent about 4 hours today, and too many cans (8) of CRC brake cleaner, cleaning my case halves out real well, as well as my crank. I also used JB Weld to reseal the old factory seal points that dissolve when the case gets hot tanked.

I used my respirator, which doesn't get out too much, as part of my protection from the harmful effects of the solvent. I even used chemical gloves and eye protection. There was a time in my youth when I wasn't as careful...

My case, crank and connecting rods had gone to Ollie's, where the rods were R & R'd, the crank was checked, cross-drilled and micro-polished. My case checked out well, in fact the report card was that everything looked pretty darned good, so it was cleaned and got new galley plugs and piston squirters.

For a 130K mile engine everything looked in great shape, it really is a shame I don't know how to shift at the track, but I digress.

I got a bunch of parts in while I was traveling, and unfortunately, my main bearings weren't really main bearings after all, so I'm hoping to put the rods on the crank this next week, and then put the case together next weekend.

I've got on hand for this first stage: new ARP rod bolts and a nice set of Viton gaskets from Henry @ Supertec as well as his recommended sealants. More to come....

304065 · 09-03-2007, 04:56 AM

Mr. Hughes, by the power vested in me as moderator of the Engine Rebuilding Forum, I hereby nominate you to membership in the "Clean Case Club." We meet online once a month for breakfast which consists of eating cornflakes out of the engine!

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

Thanks John, that is an honor!!

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

Went from physical labor yesterday to a little more mental today. I measured the length of my ARP rod bolts. Next, learning how to use my stretch gauge.

I can see already that this is going to be fun. It's nice to make a little progress as time allows, and working with clean and sometimes new parts.

Blanco · 09-03-2007, 09:51 AM

enjoy. I'm in the middle of an engine drop right now. I won't go as far as you did, but maybe someday.

hraba · 09-06-2007, 07:06 PM

I just bought my first '83 911 Cabriolet and blew the engine, the expert tells me that it will cost me $13,000 to rebuild it. Is that ok?
One of my dreams is to put together the engine and make it run. I rather spend the money buying tools and equipment and rebuild it myself. I
If I do, where do I start?

AngM018 · 09-06-2007, 07:36 PM

Beer and a TV...Now that is a shop!!!

by the way, I don't know how much luck you have had with Brakleen, but the two I bought lost its arosal before all the fluid was out (about half was left in the can). I ended up trying 4 different kinds, and had really good luck with the Pyrol brand. Just food for thought if you have the same issue's as I did.

Stretch gauge is the way to go! I couldnt believe how different my numbers were to the Torque method (I used both as a safety, but trusted the stretch)

Good luck with the rebuild!!

AngM018 · 09-06-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hraba

I just bought my first '83 911 Cabriolet and blew the engine, the expert tells me that it will cost me $13,000 to rebuild it. Is that ok?
One of my dreams is to put together the engine and make it run. I rather spend the money buying tools and equipment and rebuild it myself. I
If I do, where do I start?

I thought the same thing when I was told it would cost me between 10-15K to rebuild. I am now close to 20K. just be careful to not go overboard with the "while you were in there" items.

Start with research. Buy all of Wayne's books, get a copy of the mechanics manuals, and read all the rebuild threads on this board. I spent 5 months studying, and reading, and I still second guess myself.

Also be careful who you use to do the machine work. I got burned, and if I was to do it all over again, I would deal with Troy at EBS in Nevada, and nobody else. (of course Imagine auto, and Henry at supertec, are both very highly recommended, I just haven't had a chance to use them...yet that is...)

turbobrat930 · 09-06-2007, 10:55 PM

Ed, here are a couple of motivational pics for ya..... I was also once at that stage... will not be long now...and you will have that thing all together and on the road... having a grand time... good luck!!!

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

John A.: I've gone thru about 10 cans of the CRC cleaner, all have been good...thanks for the kind words.

Brad: That is beautiful! I've been wrestling with what I'm going to do on my tins, valve covers, shroud and fan....color looks good. Thanks for the motivation.

ALSO, and a BIG ALSO, George @ Ollies (who is the machine shop I used) called and confirmed my inspection of my pistons and cylinders, they're well within spec. So, I just save a ton of money on my auto insur...errrrrrrr......engine!

hcoles · 09-08-2007, 06:33 AM

hraba, John A is right on. There is a huge amount to learn to have a good chance to get things done well. I did a DIY top end and did all the "while you are in theres".... clutch and all of that. I'm afraid to add it up. There are a number of excellent rebuilders that post here, I would use them for head/valve train type rebuilding. Maybe you can out source the "risky" stuff and do all the cleaning and busy work type stuff on your own. Don't worry you will have enough to do. I'm no expert...just my 2 cents and have done one top end DIY and helped with others.