V8 problems

[rodneyg]

Hi all,

I have been recommended to try this forum after posting on the Land Rover enthusiast forum, as there are apparantly a number of V8 people here. I would love to hear from you!
I have a problem with my 95 Disco. It overheated quite badly last year (traced to a hole in the coolant reservoir), and I had the heads planed and everything fixed (by a reputable mechanic). Ever since I got it back, it has been making a ticking noise, steadily getting worse. I finally stripped the engine down (doing the work myself), and found that I couldn't get the camshaft out. I took it to a engine rebuilders, who bashed it out with a 10 pound sledgehammer! What he found is that No 1 camshaft bearing had melted and had trapped the camshaft. I assume that it was done when the car overheated. however, it doesn't stop there. On removal of the crank, the base of the block is not straight - hence warped block. No wonder it was making strange noises. The big end bearings are also worn fairly badly, as are the rockers (shafts seem ok though).

So, I am now on the hunt for a new block. I have tried a couple of places here in Brisbane, but they only have short motors. I was just wondering if anyone here could point me in the direction of a wrecker or someone who can provide a bare block (if it is in fact going to be cheaper). If anyone has any other advise, I'm all ears too!

Thanks in advance,
Rodney

[HSV Rangie]

Rodney,

dont love it when people dont do thier job properly.

At present you can or was able to aquire new short motors for around 2.5 to 3K.

Used motors:
AMV. melbbourne.
Gragham Cooper. Syd.
Triumph rover spares. Adel.

Michael.

[Philip A]

Rodney,
it is quite common for the Rover block to warp even if not overheated.That is why BMW and Rover only used 'seasoned " blocks for racing. A line bore of the bearing area can fix that cheaply. Similarly a failed camshaft bearing should only need a new bearing to be fitted. (assuming the "rebilders" didn't crack the block with their sledge)

My major concern is that the tapping noise is a slipped sleeve. have the mechanics do a pressure test and closely look at the sleeves where they sit in the block. If one is a liitle proud, even 20 thou , it is a sign of a slipped sleeve. Is that why the engine place said you need a new block???

It is really a question of whether it is cheaper to grind your crank, line bore and replace camshaft and all crankshaft bearings than buy a new short engine. If you buy a block only you still have to grind the crank, fit new bearings, and buy a cam..
You have to do the sums,IF you are certain that no sleeves have slipped.
Regards Philip A

[PK]

Also try Range Rove in Melb, or Rangie Spares
Good luck! My Series 1 Disco was overheating a week or so ago (not to the red mark tho!!) and the rad was 40% blocked. Also replaced thermo coupling and fan as wasn't driving hard enough, and blade was nearly cracked through. Shouldn't have heating probs for a while! (also thermostat)