Engine rebuild time

Paslan

After nearly ten years and over 250,000 miles, the car finally looks like its not going to pass the MOT. The problem is that when you rev the engine, it smokes a lot. Driving along it seems fine, but is running about 600-800 miles between the low oil warning light coming on. So, lots of oil, and I thought I had a leak, but am now thinking the problem is with the rings, basically, the engine needs a rebore and a new set of pistons/rings, it probably also needs new big end and main bearings.

So what are the options. I suppose its either refurbish the engine, as noted above, or get a reconditioned engine, or get a replacement engine from a scrap year.

I feel more inclined to get the engine refurbished, as its a known quantity. Which makes me wonder, who are the best folks to carry out this work.

I would guess this is a common issue and question on the list. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding options and service providers.

Thanks, Peter from Coventry.

vocky

to be honest not many people rebuild the z22se engine when it gets worn out, thats because it's cheaper to source another secondhand engine, however I guess that it will become more popular as good low mileage engines become harder to find.

I have rebuilt many z22se engines when upgrading the power, so it can be done and the parts are available.

Original GM over size pistons are available http://www.speedsterclub.nl/bibliotheek/technische%20documentatie/epc/E%20Engine%20and%20clutch/2%20Z22SE%20petrol%20engine/31%20Piston%20and%20rings/index.html

as are under size crank bearings http://www.speedsterclub.nl/bibliotheek/technische%20documentatie/epc/E%20Engine%20and%20clutch/2%20Z22SE%20petrol%20engine/8%20Crankshaft%20bearings%20and%20seals/index.html

Don't forget the cost of head gasket and head bolts, plus the head will need a rebuild at the same time

vocky

also worth mentioning that the timing chains both should be replaced and the water pump may well be leaking oil from it's seals

the oil pump should be inspected for wear and a replacement sourced if it's worn, the oil pump gasket may also need changing if it splits.

the rear crank oil seal should also be replaced and most likely the front oil seal too

Paslan

Thanks Vocky.

I've switched to a mineral oil, and stuck in some Winns Smoke Stop, it goes back in to the garage for the MOT Saturday, and if its still smoking like a trooper, it really is time to sort out the engine. Note, I was trying to get to 300,000 miles before major engine work. Full credit to the car and engine for getting me this far.

It only really smokes if revved hard, and doesn't realy clear, which to me looks like rings, which is not a surprise given the millage.

Matt

Moved to correct section.

Paslan

So, since Wednesday I've covered about 200 miles. I cant say I tried to make the engine smoke by revving i up, but its worked fine.

Today as I pulled away from the house to go back to the garage, it smokes a little, noticable in the mirror. so I drove it up and down the road and back to the garage and passed its MOT.

The thing is, if you just sit and rev the engine up it smokes, if you drive the car its fine. Which got me thinking. Does this sound like rings ? If I'm driving the car, then there's back pressure on the engine, as it pushes the car forward. Just revving the engine while standing still, there's nothing the engine is pushing.

So, my thinking now is to try switching the pistons and rings, and see what happens. At least with the head off I can check the cylinder bores, to see if a rebore is really needed.

So, what does the group think ?

vocky

you could just whip the pistons out and replace the rings, I find the oil rings tend to be clogged up on higher mileage z22se engines

also worth replacing the valve stem seals whilst the head is off

Paslan

So, what's involved in replacing just the rings ?

I would guess that you take the head off, drop the sump, and disconnect the big ends and take the pistons out the top, replace the rings and then put it all back together.

Is this something that could be done with the engne in the car, and can anyone recommend a mechanic to do the work ?

Peter in Coventry.

sandyc

Yep it can be done with the engine still in. Ive recently done the same job.
Head Rebuild,
Piston rings and new timing chain.
All done with the engine still in the car.

Paslan

Thanks Sandy C.

How long did it take ?

I would espect that the longest job would be re-timing the engine, (with the timing chains).

the owrk would also allow you to inspect the bottom end.

Pete from Coventry.

vocky

timing chain is probably the easiest part, but about 10-12 hours should see that job done

sandyc

I ended up doing it over few months as and when time and funds allowed. However I reckon it could be done inside a good day shift or weekend if you wanted to.