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Author: Subject: What should I replace on my donor engine?
novicebuilder

posted on 13/6/13 at 09:43 PM Reply With Quote
What should I replace on my donor engine?

I have a taken the 1.8 CVH engine from my 1991 donor Sierra and currently working on the sump modification, then plan to tackle the rest of the engine. It looks like it is leaking oil so I am expecting a problem with the head gasket.... or worse. I plan to remove the cylinder head and check for any warping. I have a new top and bottom end gasket set, a replacement camshaft timing belt and plan to replace the clutch. My question is: is there anything else I should replace whilst the engine is out and stripped?

I have read about the crankshaft shell bearings being an essential replacement item but there is no movement in the crankshaft that I can detect and they are quite expensive. However I don't want to overlook something that would be cost effective to do now. Advice please.
Thanks

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doobrychat

posted on 13/6/13 at 09:56 PM Reply With Quote
definitely piston rings and i'd do shells also while it was stripped.. nothing worse than doing a few miles and then having a problem and wishing you'd done it when it was stripped..
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cliftyhanger

posted on 14/6/13 at 06:28 AM Reply With Quote
Bear in mind if you remove the pistons and re-ring them, you need to hone the bores. That means "running in" after.
Would agree about bearings, you need to inspect them at least. Wear/damage is easy enough to spot.

As to the oil leak, where is it coming from? A bit unusual to leak from the head gasket (though I have no experience of that particular engine)

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pmc_3

posted on 14/6/13 at 07:22 AM Reply With Quote
I'd do the water pump too before you put a new belt on
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iank

posted on 14/6/13 at 08:07 AM Reply With Quote
If it's going to cost more than £50 in bits to refurb it I'd be looking at replacing it with a Zetec, a much better engine all round.





--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous

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Not Anumber

posted on 14/6/13 at 09:11 AM Reply With Quote
... and a Zetec would still be able to use the CVH sump and flywheel and bolt straight up to the gearbox etc.

There is of course nothing wrong with the 1800 cvh engine though it is said not have quite the same tuning potential as the 1600. If it was me I would look for a reasonable condition Zetec that you can drop in. it would be cheaper than rebuilding the existing CVH, would be a selling point when you came to sell the car one day, it would deliver more power immediately and could always be tweaked to provide more in the future.

It's horses for courses. Ive stuck with a Pinto largely because the exhaust comes out on the opposite side to a Zetec and it's been relatively simple to get another 30 to 40 bhp out of a Pinto but with a CVH you are already most of the way there.






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jps

posted on 14/6/13 at 09:36 AM Reply With Quote
I'm wondering much the same, i've got a 1.6 pinto to go into my build, fresh out of the Sierra it's done 100k.

No idea what to overhaul on it, so i'll be trawling the internet/leafing through the Haynes manual for a set of tips.

Only consideration for me is having the head converted to unleaded - i don't think it is at the moment (it's an '85 carbed engine)

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dhutch

posted on 14/6/13 at 09:48 AM Reply With Quote
If its anything like my cvh its probably pouring out from around the rocker cover and sump gasket... you can get molded rubber gaskets which are much better than the cork ones, try and get a genuine one not a crappy copy, but even so the sump is a right sod to get right, when its on the car alteast.

Make sure you do a good job at baffling the sump as will if your shortening it, mine was find standard, but the short one I have on now is right on the edge with the baffles it has.

If it where me, I would do the sump, jet wash it off, and get it in the car. Life is too short!



Daniel

[Edited on 14/6/2013 by dhutch]

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whitestu

posted on 14/6/13 at 10:01 AM Reply With Quote
1.8 CVHs are pretty robust. I had one in my MK before the Zetec. All I did to mine was replace the head gasket, as it was blown & cam belt. It didn't need a skim.

As suggested I'd spend the absolute minimum and upgrade to a Zetec later.

Stu

[Edited on 14/6/13 by whitestu]

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Bluemoon

posted on 14/6/13 at 11:41 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by whitestu
As suggested I'd spend the absolute minimum and upgrade to a Zetec later.

Stu

[Edited on 14/6/13 by whitestu]


Ditto life is to short... Mine leaks oil a little not enough to worry about fixing it. Just gave it a good clean up and fitted... Might have the head off soon though as never been happy with the cooling and would be good to eliminate head gasket..

I would fit it and run it and enjoy the car.. OR fit a cheap Zetec if you really want power...

Dan

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dhutch

posted on 14/6/13 at 02:16 PM Reply With Quote
Currently I have a sump leak on mine that means it looses about a pint a month just say in the garage cold!

Hence I have a drip tray. Sorted. Till next year.... (which is what I said last year)


Daniel

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Macbeast

posted on 14/6/13 at 04:49 PM Reply With Quote
Valve stem seals ?





I'm addicted to brake fluid, but I can stop anytime.

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BaileyPerformance

posted on 14/6/13 at 05:08 PM Reply With Quote
If it ran OK in the donor car without any noise or smoke leave it alone!!


Attempting to overhaul it your self may make things worse, it is not just a case of changing bearings and rings, we have seen engines overhauled this way before, don't normally last.

The oil leak is most likely to be the cam cover gasket, never seen a CVH leak oil from the head gasket.

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