Chris,
Personally, if I were keeping the car for some time, I'd pull the engine and
check everything, particularly if you already have oil pressure issues.
Doesn't make sense to me to spend $500 - $1,000 for a set of new pistons and
liners without cleaning up the bottom end and checking clearances, bearings,
etc. Not that much more work or money and your engine will definitely be
happier.
My $.02
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Chris Bohn
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 5:55 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: TR3 engine rebuild (holed piston)
Friends,
In addition to my TR4A, I've got a 59 3A that I have owned since 1980. It
was
a real sweet ride until it holed a piston in 1990. I pulled the head then
but
haven't done anything to it since. It has been resting comfortably in the
garage all these years. Now I am thinking about getting it back on the
road.
I've got an AE 87mm "big bore kit" that I bought from Moss years ago. My
question to the list is, can I just pull the pistons and liners (got a
trap-door pit in my garage that allows easy under-car access) and pop in
this
big bore kit...or should I pull the motor and change out the mains and all
the
rest of it, a full rebuild. Prior to the piston holing, the engine ran
strong, but hot oil pressure at 2000 rpm was @55psi, so perhaps the mains
are
worn. I'm also wondering where all those pieces of the piston top wound
up...and I figure the answer can't be good...
Being lazy and prone to path of least work, I'd love to take the shortcut of
just putting in the big bore kit.
I appreciate the list's collective wisdom on this...
Thanks,
Chris
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