I've been following this thread closely since I too will soon be undertaking
my first engine rebuild. Brian mentions that the Eastwood video on
rebuilding a Chevy 350 is helpful. I was wondering if anyone had ever seen
the MG engine rebuild video that Moss sells? Does much of it apply to a
Triumph as well? I know it's not cheap, but I also know I can use all the
help I can get!
Dave Moag
77 Spitfire
62 TR3B
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Eric Straub
> Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 1998 5:30 PM
> To: 'Brian Kemp'; Trmgafun@aol.com; hakhutch@megalink.net
> Cc: Triumph list
> Subject: RE: Engine Rebuild Tips For Beginners (TR6)
>
>
>
> 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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