Turns out my “clatter of death” the engine started singing over 3500RPM at easter may have actually been a bent heat-shield bracket resonating against the exhaust manifold, most likely done when I changed the alternator the day before I noticed the death-rattle… DOH!
Anyway, engine’s out of the car and was due to come out to get new clutch, cambelt, pulleys etc and I’m thinking that given the engine’s done 25,000 miles and is sitting on the bench maybe a refresh is in order?
Engine is fine apart from high oil consumption at high RPM (uses about a litre or just over on a trackday).
Just want to know what’s involved in refreshing a VHPD since I’ve never done it before… I’m assuming the following:
New Rings
New main bearings
New big-end bearings
New valve guides
New valve stem seals
Is there anything else I’m missing? I may just put the engine back in as-is and live with the high oil consumption, but we’ll see… have to make a decision pretty sharpish so any information you can give me as to what to do… speak now
How is the cylinder head? Perhaps you might also look at if the cam followers all have the correct clearances. I had a liner and rings replaced recently and took the opportunity of getting DVA to refresh mine and the result is not only more power (after porting) but it is really quiet with NO clatter… even on cold start up!
Yeah, valve clearances were a little slack on one or two cylinders but nothing terrible. We’ll get them re-set when it all goes back together.
What was wrong with your liner if you don’t mind me asking.
I’ve been waiting for DVA to come along and add his valued opinion as to what’s worth doing and what’s not, but he’s been absent thus far.
Had a look at the engine today, really everything looks pretty much as it should do, no evidence of any real damage other than the oil thirst… that’s the only thing that I’m a little concerned about at this stage.
You might consider to balance the complete crank set includingh the pistons and rods and the two cams with there sprockets.
Cost is around �245 for the engine set and an extra �70 for the cams.
this was quoted to me by Steve from Vibration Free, it seems the engine runs much smoother
but still being an Exige Rookie, i don’t know what the experienced VHPD owners think of this option
Most of the adice above is sound, but I would add…
Check and set liner heights to 4 thou
Hardness test the head
Port the oil pump and block/main bearing ladder oilways
Full engine balance by VF
New liners
Uprated rod and clutch bolts.
fit verniers and time cams correctly
reshim cams
Thanks for that… that’s starting to make a pretty comprehensive list, like a full-on rebuild! Also Starting to sound pretty expensive, which isn’t good for me right now
Sadly, balancing is out of the question… I’m based in New Zealand and I know the K-series needs very fine balancing (hence vibration-free being recommended)… I’d doubt anyone local has the capability to do things as well as they can (although will look into it).
What sort of ballpark parts bill would you guestimate for all of that Dave? It’s sounding well outside of my budget at the moment
Wet finger in the air would be �1300 for a refresh with no blancing, but new liners, rings, bearings, guides, belt, tensioner, reshim and careful build with oilway mods etc.
Wet finger in the air would be �1300 for a refresh with no blancing, but new liners, rings, bearings, guides, belt, tensioner, reshim and careful build with oilway mods etc.
At least that is what it would cost here.
Dave
Cheers Dave, gives me a ballpark figure to start with. Might be hitting you up for some parts supply if I decide to press ahead with it… will talk to my engine builder and see what he reckons, at minimum I’m pulling the head to have a looksee. What’s the common wisdom on the best head gasket to use with such an engine? The latest LandRover (Payen?) head gasket?
Whereabouts in the head do you usually take the hardness readings? I’ll take my head over to the uni Mech Eng dept and whack it on the tester over there when it comes off
Given that there’s nobody down this part of the world who’s spend any amount of time rebuilding performance K engines, I reckon I might have a go at it myself… at least that way I know that it’s been built with care.
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