[Healeys] Rebuilt Engine Compression

[m.g.sharp at sympatico.ca]

Fantastic Patrick, and thanks for the follow-up message.

 

Mirek

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of Patrick and
Caroline Quinn via Healeys
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 6:57 AM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Rebuilt Engine Compression

 

G'day

 

Most will remember from about a month back, that no matter what was done,
the newly rebuilt early six-cylinder engine of the BN3 refused to start. New
points, condenser, etc etc didn't help. We even towed the car up and down
our very quiet road and all we managed to achieve was 65lbs oil pressure.
The cylinder compression for each cylinder was between 0 and 5lbs.

 

Needless to say, there was much scratching of heads, but to no avail.

 

So the car was winched on to a trailer and taken away to a friend's place
for some serious fettling. However beforehand I removed the radiator, water
pump, hoses and so on. This is no mean feat in the BN3 as most of the
radiator (actually the same design as in our Healey Duncan) sits under the
shroud with only the rear of the header tank sitting out into the engine
bay.

 

As many said, it had to be the timing, meaning that the timing cover was to
be removed. We had visions of removing the carburettors, exhaust manifolds,
engine mounts so that the engine could be tilted to gain access to the
crankshaft pully nut. But no, as for once there was a real plus in having a
DHMC car as apart from a single horizontal bar between the radiator and the
engine, the cross braces and everything else was removed to fit the
six-cylinder. Even the horizontal bar has been cut away so that the
shortened fan blades fit.

 

The crankshaft nut came away, as did the harmonic balancer and the timing
cover.

 

The nice, pretty and new vernier timing chain was fitted incorrectly. Don't
ask me how as it remains a mystery. Everything back together, except for the
radiator and its compatriots. Tickle the chokes, pull the throttle and press
the solenoid button. Bruum! Away it went.

 

Since then the cooling bits have been reinstalled and flushed, tappets done
and the engine runs very smoothly due to the $$$ spent on balancing. Next is
a little panel work and my recommendation is to never try and squeeze a
six-cylinder engine through a 100 bonnet opening.

 

Many thanks to everyone who responded.

 

Hoo Roo

 

Patrick Quinn

Blue Mountains, Australia

 

From: Patrick and Caroline Quinn 
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 3:41 PM
To: healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> 
Subject: Rebuilt Engine Compression

 

Hello

 

No amount of churning over with a new battery will induce the BN3's rebuilt
engine to fire. Even towing the car up and down the road failed to instill
any life into the engine.

 

Everything is spot on - timing, spark and fuel.

 

Anyone have an idea as to what the compression be on a rebuilt engine should
be?

 

Many thanks

 

Patrick Quinn

Blue Mountains, Australia

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