This is a great list Brian. I'm also in the process of rebuilding my first
engine. One thing that I've found very helpful is the Eastwood video on how
to rebuild an engine. The mechanic walks you through rebuilding a chevy 350,
but most of the stuff applies.
Eric.
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Kemp [mailto:bk13@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 1998 3:26 PM
To: Trmgafun@aol.com; hakhutch@megalink.net
Cc: Triumph list
Subject: Re: Engine Rebuild Tips For Beginners (TR6)
Things I learned or figured out during my first rebuild
earlier this year:
Pick up Haynes and Bentley manuals. It's good to have a
second source.
Go to the library and get some books on engine rebuilding.
See what they say and
what to watch for.
Read the assembly instructions before taking anything apart.
Take lots of pictures of everything while it's still
together. Take more pictures
as you take things apart. Take pages of notes. Document
what goes through each
location. Sketch the routing of wires and cables. Before
you disconnect a wire,
make a masking tape flag for it (write in ink). It may seem
obvious now, but it
won't when you try to put it back together.
Have lots of sandwich bags. Place all the nuts and bolts
from each assembly in a
bag and use a permanent marker to label the bag. Have a
place to put everything
where it won't get disturbed or moved.
Don't put too much effort into cleaning the block. I took
mine to a local machine
shop and they hot tanked it for $40. I also let the machine
shop do a valve job
and replace the guides.
Get some good measuring devices or plan on having someone
else check all
dimensions. Document all the measurements so you can
compare wear during your
next rebuild. Compare with specs.
Read the VTR web site maintenance section. If you have a
TR6 or similar, check
JB's TR6 page also (there is a link from VTR).
Find the local parts stores that have a tool loaner or
rental program. Why buy a
$30 tool to use once when you can use it for free?
Give yourself twice as much time as you think you need and
then allow for schedule
slippage's.
If you doubt the quality of a part, replace it. The part is
probably cheaper than
rebuilding again.
Get involved in you local Triumph or British car club.
Start looking at the
Chapters page at the VTR site. Sometimes you need the help
of a local person.
Be patient. If you're stumped by a problem, sleep on it.
If it's still a problem
the next day, call someone or send the list a question.
Don't be afraid. If you are half way competent, you can do
it.
It's nice to have an engine stand. Easy to borrow, cheap to
buy.
Have a second person to remove and install the engine.
Don't clean parts until you are getting ready to put them
back together.
Use sealant on the freeze/expansion plugs. I didn't and had
to replace most of
them. Fill the coolant area in the block with water and
check for leaks before
you put the engine back in the car.
Replace the engine and transmission mounts.
Make sure the marks are on the timing chain gears.
Use a torque wrench and follow the specs.
Get a tube of assembly lube. Put it on everything as you
put it back together.
Have a list of everything you need to do. Add things as you
go along. Don't try
and remember to do anything. (It's late, I'll put in the
bottom starter bolt
tomorrow.) Have a list for parts that you need.
Is you engine compartment in good shape? It's much easier
to paint without an
engine.
Brian Kemp
72 TR6
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