Please visit the Club's website https://www.dloc.org.uk/ to join. Visit https://www.dloc.org.uk/adhoc to DONATE towards the cost of the forum.
Please don't post someone's email address to avoid it being harvested by spambots and it's against GDPR regulations.
Always look at "ACTIVE TOPICS" to see all posts in date & time order as they are sometimes moved; or look at "Your Posts".
Please add Reg. nrs. when posting a photo or anything about a car as this will help searches. Don't add punctuation next to nr. as this negates search.
CHANGED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS since registering?, click your username and check your address in User Control Panel, Profile, Account Settings.
If you want help to register, use "contact us" at page bottom for help.

HELP major engine problem

keithj
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Mansfield

HELP major engine problem

Post by keithj »

Having waited a year to get my engine rebuilt by a "specialist" classic car restorer and ultimately giving up waiting and trailering the car back, I have now had it checked out by a second restorer. The engine has a severe knock both on start-up and afterwards., it also has no oil pressure . My new guy has taken the sump off and and checked a few of the bearings they are all scored as is the crankshaft (after only 5 miles of running!!). New standard bearings had been fitted which he says was wrong, the shaft should have been ground and new appropriately sized bearings fitted. He is also very critical about other aspects of the job, the quantity of sealant etc. It seems I made a very bad choice with the first guy (hopefully not also this second one). The solution proposed is engine out crankshaft reground/centred for which he tells me there are only two companies in the UK able to offer this service and the resultant queue means that it will take at least 6 months. The overall cost is being quoted at least £7-8K depending on what else is found. My confidence in deciding who to trust is diminished now, anyone like to comment? Alternatively does anyone have a good solid engine for sale that would not need rebuilding, and if so would that be a cheaper/quicker option?

bobtills
Posts: 186
Joined: Wed Sep 25, 2019 6:05 pm
Location: North Wales

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by bobtills »

If you are intending 'going after' the first guy you need bombproof evidence of a duff job so getting this is the first priority and needs to be done before you tamper with the evidence - the second guy, if he's willing to help you, would only be of any use if a court would view him at least as an equal to the first guy.

£7-8k is over the top, and there are plenty of engineering shops who can regrind a simple V8 crankshaft, and rebore if necessary.

It's a simple enough engine but to get the best result you should try to find someone who is familiar with them. Some jobs with this engine need the right, experienced, person to get them spot-on and it is important and a bit difficult to get all the proper quality parts you might need.

Have a look at the advertisers in the club magazine.

I'm sure other members will be able to point you in the right direction - I have had invaluable help when I have had problems with mine :D

keithj
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by keithj »

Thanks, I understand what you are saying but I think trying to pursue guy 1 might be fruitless and in any event I didn’t get a bill for most of the “work” so I am not hugely out of pocket. I am more keen to make sure I don’t make the same mistake twice.

classiclife
Classic Wise Man
Classic Wise Man
Posts: 1601
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 9:55 am
Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
Contact:

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by classiclife »

Hello Keith,

I have just sent you an email.

Regards.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

keithj
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by keithj »

Thanks Richard

I have spoken to Johnathon as you recommend and he sounds perfect but has a 12 - 18 month lead time. I have been without the car for over a year so want it ready for next summer. I have also spoken to Russ Carpenter who is highly recommended but also has a 12 month waiting list. Russ has suggested someone else to speak to so the search continues.I will only use someone who knows what they are doing, I’ve learned that lesson.

silverdart
Posts: 285
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 10:49 am
Location: West Midlands

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by silverdart »

Hi, A local company I have used and been very happy with is :- Engine services tel. 01384 261492. In the past I have had a crank regrind and Guides and seals fitted to Dart cylinder heads.
A one man band that is definitely well experienced.

Dave.

keithj
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by keithj »

Thanks I will give him a call

ranald
Helpful Person
Helpful Person
Posts: 485
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 8:21 am
Location: North Wales

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by ranald »

I suspect you will find any all engineering firms who do this sort of work and have a good reputation have waiting lists. I know it’s frustrating but I think the best advice is for you to get your name on a list, I waited about 9 months to get a white metalling job done but looking back, the wait was of little consequence as I was really impressed with the quality of work. Find some other jobs on the car to get on with in the meantime. Good luck.

simonp
Wise Man
Wise Man
Posts: 526
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:59 am
Location: Birmingham

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by simonp »

Coventry boring did my block on the last rebuild and so far all is OK.

SimonP
Daimler SP 250 - "To feel its eager response as you open up is to know a new motoring adventure"(Sales brochure) The adventure continues!

keithj
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:29 pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: HELP major engine problem

Post by keithj »

I think I have a solution. I spoke to Russ Carpemnter, a recognised expert on these engines, and while he is too busy to do anything for the next 12 months he did suggest a company close to him who he works with on occasion. These are Classic and Modern Engines who seem knowledgable and on the ball quoting a similar price to others with a similar reputation and they can do the work in about 14 weeks. So whle it is still expensive it will see a good job with a guarantee from someone highly recommended. I think it may have disappointed my local guy but I am sure he will get over it, hopefully so since I will still be using him to remove and reinstall the engine. While I value the opionion of Russ Carpenter I would also be interested to hear from anyone who may have used this firm before.

Post Reply