17 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

Plenty people build there own engines on here. I have the Bill Solis engine build dvd and have watched it a couple of times. 

 

I can't help but think it is beyond me. 

 

Everything looks straight forward. I can't help but feel that it is far from straight forward. 

 

How often does it go smoothly? Seems lots of instances where new parts don't quite fit tolerances etc. 

 

I have done a bit of work on my mini, mostly suspensions and  new brakes. I always service my own a cars.

 

I would be building a 1380 ready for a 7 port or 16 head (all block work already done) 

 

Question is how hard is an engine build really?  

[Spider]

I haven't seen Bill's Video, so I'm not sure how comprehensive it actually gets.

 

IF the Machine shop does their job 100% spot on AND all the new bits are right, then it's not too difficult.

 

But,,,,,,

 

There are zillions of things that are best checked before and during the build. The 'trick' here is know what to look for, check, and being able to recognise what is not right or out of spec and it may well be something that's not 'in the book'.

 

Eg, say a spot facing for a Rod Bolt. This is a machine shop operation. It's up to you to check their work once you get it back, if it's off and trust me, it's very easily missed, it's not in the Haynes Manual, but can easily write off your engine and gearbox. By the way, don't expect the Machine Shop to compensate you for this, they will only be liable to correct the spot facing.

 

<Edit: For a first time build, I like to suggest to others to do it with someone who has experience, I feel there is no substitute. >

Edited by Moke Spider, 09 January 2016 - 07:10 PM.

[minisilverbullet]

The 'trick' here is know what to look for, check, and being able to recognise what is not right or out of spec and it may well be something that's not 'in the book'.

 

Exactly my concern. 

[nicklouse]

The time and cost and tools needed to assemble a short motor is not worth doing yourself.

As most builds should involve a "dry" build the time for the machine shop to do the final build (assembly) is next to zero.

[mab01uk]

<Edit: For a first time build, I like to suggest to others to do it with someone who has experience, I feel there is no substitute. >

 

I agree.....I started learning back in the 1960/70's as a kid watching/helping my dad and older brothers building Ford and Mini engines in the garage at home. There is much not in the books and videos that you only pickup from others who have previous experience and it is often quicker and cheaper to learn first hand by their past mistakes.......

Edited by mab01uk, 09 January 2016 - 07:25 PM.

[Spider]

 

 cheaper to learn first hand by their past mistakes.......

 

 

Well - hand on heart - I can honestly and truthfully say, I've never made a 'Mistake' in an engine build,,,,,,

 

But,,,,,

 

I've had lots and lots of 'Learning Experiences' , some expensive,,,,,,

[skoughi]

In the finishing stages of my first engine build, I think I've taken at least five years off my lifespan so far. Had a ton of help and advice from all the guys on here, Mokespider included! Read stuff until I was sick of reading. Spent an absolute fortune on parts and at the end of the day will probably not work all that great either! The fact that I live in a remote area goes against me though, If I could do one thing different I think it would still be to build it myself but under the watchful eye of someone experienced who knows what to look for and all the small but very important details. 

[59 Speed]

You'll be fine as long as you do the research.

I've done a few engine engine builds, an A-Series and a Mazda MX5 (with a mechanic friend) and another A-Series 1380 with a full gearbox rebuild by myself.

I gradually accumulated my tool collection as I went along so it didn't seem like a massive amount I was spending but I probably was

I'm not going to lie, it took me a lot longer than a fully equipped workshop would, a few mistakes that needed rectifying along the way, but the satisfaction that I got from doing it myself was worth it.

I used the Bill Sollis DVD and the vast info on this forum.

Manly these links:
http://www.theminifo...-just-building/
http://www.theminifo...earbox-rebuild/

Hope this helps,
Ian

Ps the biggest difference that I did on the latest build was running it in correctly as per Calvers instructions - the first two builds blew smoke after painfully keeping it under 3000rpm for 1000 miles!

Edited by Smackfiend, 09 January 2016 - 08:20 PM.

[Carlos W]

This thread is making me nervous.

I'm hoping to build my own for the first time.

[ukcooper]

I started by buying a second-hand engine and rebuilt that with cheep/found parts tools ect ect, then got some one to check it , all went well its now a spare spare.

if your only going to do it once don't bother as it cost to much and your forget by the next rebuild.

But everyone's got start some where.

you want a challenge build a gearbox (bloody witch craft) them things there cheaper and your going to need one day..

[sonikk4]

I have done quite a few full builds but not on an A series. The one thing i have learned though is cleanliness is the big key thing. Oh and a decent torque wrench that is in calibration. I have had one close call with a very poor torque wrench (this actually uncovered two issues at work as it goes) and a corroded one.

 

Follow the manual you are using carefully, don't cut corners and be patient. Take what you hear from other people with a pinch of salt, a manual is written for a reason.

[kezzkitkat]

i think the hardest bit for a first time builder  is timing in the cam using a tdc gauge. other than that easy as anything if you have the correct tools and plenty of time 

[blacktulip]

im in the middle of a rebuild and its taking a long time as i am constantly checking stuff and reading up. what i am finding hard is knowing what things should feel like when right like, how tight the crank and pistons should feel like when installed. i seem to be going through a jumbo blue roll and a tub of "Big Wipes" like no tomorrow lol. but if you break it down its not a lot to bolt together but its the checking and knowing that takes up the time. if you can get some help from experience i would take them up on the offer. also purchasing a good engine stand will make it much easier.

[Minitrio]

I have built a multitude of VW aircooled engines, with only one major issue (one 1641cc engine detonated after 5 miles into its initial test drive, smashing a conrod through the crankcase, oops!!) I learnt how to build's aircooled engines from several engine building books that are available on the VW scene.

 

Are there anymore detailed engine build books available for the A series engine? I ve seen a lot of tuning engine books, but not many complete standard full engine build books.

 

I have a stripped-down 998 sat in my shed which I tend to rebuild once I have absorbed enough information on the subject.

 

So could people post some book or dvd recommendations for the OP and myself?

 

Thanks

Edited by Minitrio, 10 January 2016 - 10:38 PM.

[Spider]

Bugger on the VW Engine. This is why I've never built any other type of Engine other than A Series - I don't know the quirks of anything else.

 

 

Are there anymore detailed engine build books available for the A series engine? I ve seen a lot of tuning engine books, but not many complete standard full engine build books.

 

Out of print again, but Des Hammil's Books 'The 1275 A Series Performance Manual' while a 'hot up' book does also go in to some detail on general reconditioning practices. A good book and one I recommend, though it doesn't cover everything.

 

Another very good book, though not A Series Specific (though dose discuss them) and well out of print these days is the Repco Engine Manual. It was the one used at our TAFE Collages for the apprentice Engine Reconditioners, it does damn near cover everything! nd for the most part, is easy to read.  They do come up from time to time on the second hand market.