[Healeys] Rebuilt Engine Compression

[Hank Leach]

Patrick-was the issue then the placement of the crankshaft gear in
relation to the camshaft sprocket?If so, do not feel bad-this is a
common problem and the markings on the gears are not well done. It was
however the most sensible conclusion that we guessed when compression
was so low-valves not matching piston position.
Unfortunate that this had to happen to a BN3 install with a shoehorned
C block sandwiched in there.My hats off to you for your committed
efforts! It must have been slightly more difficult than this one
(photo) Hank

	-----------------------------------------From: "Patrick and Caroline
Quinn via Healeys" 
To: "healeys at autox.team.net"
Cc: 
Sent: Wednesday July 19 2023 4:15:03AM
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
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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