The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine Rebuilds

I am trying to rebuild an engine, not a stovebolt, and I have a question that pertains to rebuilding. I have taken my engine completly apart, the pistons were frozen in the cylinders so they are no good. What is the proper sequence in rebuilding? Should I have the block machined first, or should I order new pistons, connecting rods and what not or what. The thing that I am thinking is how do I know what size pistons to get ie.. 30 over or what not. Also about the bearings and what not. But than again how does the machine shop know what size they need to go to? Does all this make sense.
:confused:


Kenny B.

Here's some info to get you going:

http://www.hastingsmfg.com/techtips.htm

Curt B.

Kenny,
You say it is not a stovebolt, so I am assuming it is a V-8. No matter what engine it is though, there are several low cost steps to take that will help to make your decision much easier.

The first step I would take is run the block and crank over to the machine shop and have the machine shop measure the cylinder walls and crank journals and confirm that they can be machined at all.

If there is still enough meat on the cylinders to bore it and the crank is in good enough shape to use, then the second step would be to have them clean and magniflux the block and crank to make sure there are no cracks.

If there are no cracks, then you can decide where to go with it next. My advice would be to sit down with the sales rep at the machine shop, and have them lay out the cost of the labor and parts you will need to spend in order to rebuild the motor.

They will be able to tell you based on those two inspections, what size pistons, bearings and other parts you will ultimately need. Then based on a comparison between the cost to buy the parts and having all the machine work done, look at the prices of both short blocks and long blocks. Sometimes it is much more economical to go with a rebuild than mess with what you have.

If you decide to have them do the work, also get an estimate from them to reassemble it for you, if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

551st3800,

You don't make those decisions, the automotive machine shop does. They have the knowledge and measuring instruments to evaluate your block, connecting rods, pistons, plus everything else, and make the determination what is usable and which direction you should take.

They should be able to give you a list of available options after they appraise your parts and pieces.

Stuart

Dave, and others. It is actually a 4 banger out of a 73 Fiat. The engine was seized and so I had to beat out the pistons. With that being said is there any way to offset the cost of the rebuild. IE... this month having the block magnafluxed and measured and next month start the machining process? Also what is an feasible price for all of this? I will do the reassembly my self but I can not do the machining part. This gives me a "break" from the sandblasting on my Chevy.

Kenny B.

Most machine shops won't want to sit on an engine too long, as that costs them $$ as well. Some shops will even reserve the right to sell an engine if the owner doesn't come to pick it up and pay for services in a reasonable amount of time, say 30 days. You'll want to talk wiht the shop first to see about making arraingements for the work you wnat done, they'll probably work wiht you seeing as it is a somewhat odd engine. You'll probably need to call around to find a shop that'll even touch it.
I can't really give an acurate range for a Fiat 4, but my 235 came in at a little under $500 for the machining, that included cleaning, magnaflux, boring, polish crank, 12 new valves installed, rods/pistons assembled and fitted, and cleaning all of the tins and bellhousing, plus resurfacing the flywheel. That was about 11 years ago.

Hey Kenny, I used to work for a dealer that sold 3 makes of automobiles. Oldsmobile, International and Fiat during that year of 73'. You either have a 128 sl or a 124 sport. Either way if the engine is rebuildable I would definately get it balanced. It makes them run smoother and have better power and maybe a little more of the mpgs and helps them run longer since all the parts weigh the same and are not fighting each other. Balancing is good for all engines. I remember those good ole' days. I was one of their mechanics back then. The 124 is a double overhead cam. Was usually a good motor and had good performance. I wish you well on what you decide to do with that engine. H.

551st3800,

What a fun project. Are there any occupational programs in the automotive field around Marion that could use your little engine for a learning project. Maybe they could tank the block for pennies or Magnaflux or even bore the block to fit pistons you supply.

Around my area, there is a community college that has a very sophisticated automotive program. Sometimes they are searching for work for student projects. Certainly wouldn't hurt to scout around a bit.

Stuart

If it was siezed up, it's probably too far gone to rebore. There's a very limited selection of oversize pistons available for that one, if my memory serves me correctly. I'm about 200 miles east of Memphis, off US highway 64. Come on over, and I'll give you a complete engine that's been cluttering up my barn. It's not locked up, I'm sure!
Jerry

551st3800,

See........there is a Santa Claus!


Stuart

Henry G. It is an 850 spyder. Nice car but the guy that had it before me did not do good body work on it so I have several bubbles forming. It is a fun project but that makes me have to go out and pad my metric tool drawers.

Kenny B.