Glad you took my little story with the humor that was intended. I'm not
sure how familiar you are with engines, so know I don't intend to explain
something you already know.
For your own sake, do plan on replacing bearing shells. Even if they are in
good shape, just do it while you are there. If your engine has never been
rebuilt, you know that standard bearings are the ones. If it has been
rebuilt, you will have to check the back of the bearings to see if they are
undersized (due to grinding the crank). Also remember that cranks can be
ground to different diameters between the mains and the conrods - i.e. mains
could be 0.010 inches undersized, and the conrods could be 0.020 inches
undersized. In other words, check both.
Also, if there are scratches on the crank that you can feel with your
fingernail, expect a rebuild will be in order. You can replace the bearings
and run the engine, but do know that the bearings will wear quicker due to
the scored crank.
Lastly, check in your Bentley manual to see how to check the end play on the
crank. This will tell you whether the thrust washers are good, or if they
need to be replaced.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Eric
-----Original Message-----
From: Boothroyd, Frank [mailto:Frank.Boothroyd@northatlantic.nf.ca]
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2000 9:24 AM
To: Eric Conrad
Subject: RE: I've only got 12 inches...
NOOOOOOO.....
I'm now stomping around with my hands over my ears and I'm not going to
breathe again until you take it all back!
That was YOUR car! Not MY little darling! She would NEVER do such things
to me...
oh god what have i got myself into?
(Cheers!)
f.
-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Conrad [mailto:econrad@teal.csn.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2000 12:35 PM
To: Boothroyd, Frank; triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: I've only got 12 inches...
Gosh, I'm getting a little misty eyed and sentimental reading Frank's
question. You see, my TR6 frame-off restoration began just as Frank
describes. Low oil pressure, nah, couldn't be the conrod bearings, couldn't
be the main bearings, it has to be the oil pump. I will say that my oil
pump was definitely a problem, but there was a reason the pump was bad,
which was the same reason all the main and rod bearings were bad, and that
the crank shaft was badly scored. I had a camshaft that "threw" two lobes.
Where did the metal go, you might ask? Through the lubrication system -
sump pump, bearings, rocker shaft. While the metal flowed through the
system, it scored any metal surface that came in pressurized contact with
oil. What a mess.
Rather than using just 12 inches of clearance, I would place the car safely
on jack stands, remove the sump pan, and give the lower end a good, thorough
going over. While you have it all open, I would at least plan on replacing
the bearing shells - keeping in mind that if you find any scoring on crank
journals, it's time to pull the engine. Trust me, you will be happier after
doing this. The expense will give you clear piece of mind - if it is
needed.
If you do pull the engine, well, why not redo the engine bay, and maybe redo
the interior, then just pull the tub, and then redo the full suspension -
just to refurbish everything. While you are at it, how about redoing the
frame.
Now you know how I began down the road I'm on. However, I keep telling
myself that the TR6 will be all the better for it. I also keep telling
myself that I will be all the better for it. Of course, while the car will
hopefully be better, I'm afraid that I am a lost cause.
In all seriousness, Frank should at least plan on replacing the bearing
shells while he has the lower end of the engine open. He will sleep better
at night.
----No slams intended, just a humorous look at shipwrights disease----
Eric
'76 TR6 CF52678U -- It will be done for VTR 2001, I promise!
|