Engine fix

[Bobfla]

What would be the most logical approach to a basic engine rebuild if you were trying to do the work yourself?
Big Items:
Bored Cylinders, new pistons, new main bearings, Rebuilt Head
Smaller items:
Oil pump, seals, sending units.
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Is there already a process listed somewhere? And where are the best places to get parts and machining?
Thanks

1974 124
1800 engine family 132- CID

[Nut124]

In my area, most automotive machine shops have closed. Folks do not rebuild engines like they used to. The few remaining shop cater to repeat racer customers or new car dealerships and are too busy to care about my one off build. So, finding a good shop that has availability is a problem here.

Does the engine run OK now? Are you planning on a stock rebuild? Or upgrades?

Inspect parts carefully upon disassembly. Cranks are usually fine with a quick polish of journals. Rods are usually fine as is as well unless there is evidence of over heating, brg damage. Std bearing sizes unless there is journal damage requiring grinding.

I would consider new valves and springs. Guides likely need to be replaced. If replaced, seats should be recut. Head assembly can be DIY. I did guides and seats DIY as well. Pay for tooling or pay the shop. If you cannot or do not want to, a rebuilt head from one of our vendors could be the way to go.

[Bobfla]

"Does the engine run OK now? "
Yes, but very poorly. Blowby at the dip stick and oil dripping from the distributor.


Are you planning on a stock rebuild? Or upgrades?
That's my main question. If I could get the engine cylinders machined, where would i get the rest of the parts for rebuild? and what options are there in the rebuild. I would really like to get rid of all the outdated pollution parts. Not looking for extra power, just want a dependable engine.

[Nut124]

Parts are available. Google.

Vick AutoSports
Midwest-Bayless
Auto-Ricambi
Mr Fiat

It is best to do your own research, like you are doing. Lots of wrong info out there.

If you have never rebuilt an engine, then I would get a book on basic rebuild.

A minimum rebuild project would consist of:
- Block/bore inspection, hone or bore to oversize
- Crank inspection, polish
- Rods inspection
- Experienced builders might DIY crank, rods if they look fine and have a known history. They are usually fine.
- New pistons, rings
- Rebuilt head
- Rebuild kit with gaskets, seals
- New oil pump. I did reuse mine, after inspection, that was new 20yrs ago.
- Resurface flywheel. Or, I would consider getting the alum fly wheel from A-R
- New clucth
- Check, rebuild or replace starter

Even a basic rebuild can easily get into 3-4K $$ and then some. Make a shopping list and a plan.

[Bobfla]

Nut 124
Thanks for the info. Is there a specific book you would suggest for the engine rebuild?