just checking in...

Just a quick update...
I ordered a new set of valves, and valve springs and rocker arm shafts.
When they come in I'm gonna send 'em out along with my connecting rods to be machined.

Does anyone know anything about these "reconditioned cylinders" that Engine Builders Supply sells?

Oh yeah,
I finally broke down and went out and bought a new truck. It's a Dodge Dakota club cab 4x4 with a nice 5.2L V8.
Merry christmas!

Merry Christmas Leland!

It sounds like you found a good parts-chasing vehicle! Same specs as my '92, to boot.

I think you will be needing to send off your rocker arms to be re-bushed ... doubt if the new shafts will need any machining, though.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Do you need cylinders, Leland? Were the rocker arm shafts worn? Does the crank need to be ground 'one over?'

Missed you, Leland. Was thinking the other day to suggest you balance that motor within an inch of its life. Though most motors have noticeable vibration, mine has almost none. I think it's worthwhile to just make very rod and piston weigh the same, and mark and balance the flywheel and pressure plate on the crank.

I know nothing about somebody's 'reconditioned cylinders' but if you need one, a good used one is a safe bet from what I've heard, as long as it's good. I supposed they would be re-honed or at least the glaze broke, which might be the 'reconditioning.'

Merry Christmas!

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'83 SC

Go Leland go! Sounds like a nice truck also. Enjoy the holidays and don't spend too much time in the garage.

See Ya,

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Mark Isaak
'74 Targa

Good to hear from ya, Leland-any reason why you didn't go with the 4.7 V8 instead of the old 318? More low-end torque with the 5.2, or are you just like me and like the old-school V8 lope at idle? A good friend of mine has a Dakota 4x4 with the 5.2, and it sounds great-nothing like my old 5.0 Mustang with an X-pipe and Flowmasters, but tons better than my Cherokee's stock inline 6. I leave him behind at all the stoplights, though-he's got more HP, but I've got a LOT less weight to lug around-I just wish the Jeep didn't sound so much like a UPS truck.

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Clay Mcguill www.geocities.com/the912guy

Leland, are you going for the full port and polish job on the heads, flycutting the heads for higher comperession? Just wondering. Your new truck sounds like it will kick some butt. Merry Christmas.

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Paul
78SC Targa

You know, I hadn't even thought about that Warren,...there are bushings in the rocker arms and they're probably needing replacement.
Well, just another thing to add to my list!

My mechanic is trying to push pretty hard for a new set of pistons and cylinders. He's just looking out for the best interest of the car. He swears that it's impossible for a motor to have 220,000 miles on it and not have out of spec. P/C's. (and everything else) He said that they have a tendancy to become oval shaped as well.
Damn, that's going to be the big pinch. It could take me some time to come up with $2,400 for a new set.
Anyway, as of right now I'm getting ready to send out my heads and connecting rods, with my new valve guides, valves, and springs!.
When I get those back then reassembly can start.
My wrench dosen't think that the case or crank need machining.

As far as modifing the heads go, we'll have to see after I call a couple machine shops. I'm not too concerned about HP increases so I'm not gonna go too far out of my way to do so.
But if it's realitavely simple, cheap and worthwile than sure, why not.

Well, I really hope everyone had a great christmas and have a happy New Year!!



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Leland Pate

___79 SC Targa

I wonder why the rods have to go anywhere, but this is because I have never done what you're doing.

Before I agreed or disagreed with your mechanic, I'd want to measure those Ps & Cs. Yes, cylinders wear in an oval shape, which is why you measure them parallel to the wrist pin as well as perpendicular to it. They also wear in a funnel shape (wider at the bottom. Pistons wear too. But there are specifications for all that, and if the wear is within specs, then I would be comfortable reusing them.

Let me know, Leland, if I can help.

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'83 SC

Jim,
evidently the rods have to be machined because the crank ends wear out of round.
Therefore they have to be machined and honed back to spec.

I gather that he seems to find the notion of a set of P/C's "Not" out of spec. after 220K. impossible.

I'll have to just call around.
Heck, I dunno.



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Leland Pate

___79 SC Targa

Oh that's right. I knew that. They shave the surface where the rod and cap touch, makin the big hole too small. Then they re-cut the hole. Duh.

I still would measure those pistons and cylinders, as I am sure there is a spec on them. There is a page in my Spec Book taht describes the measurements to determine if pistons and cylinders are worn. This includes checking for "ovality" and wear. The measure point for cylinders is 30mm below the upper edge of the bore and the wear limit is 0.08 mm over installation size. Installation size depends upon markings on the cylinders. Ovality is a problem if the bore is 0.04 mm out of round. It's all in the book. The spec book is for 82-83 SCs, but I could copy and fax it if you ask.

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'83 SC