Wednesday 26 September 2018

New Engine.... Part 2 - Strip down

After successfully removing the old engine and keeping it on the ATV Jack the strip down started.








 








Only issue was the Exhaust studs & Bolts. Hacksaw and nut splitter used to cut the joints in the exhaust (J tubes and Heat Pipes joints)

So its out and stripped down. Next part 3 is the checking / cleaning / ordering of new parts....


Monday 24 September 2018

New Engine..... Part 1 - Removal

Previous post was detailing the options for a new engine.

A new SSP 1600cc Dual Port engine was ordered from Retrodubs.

Yet to arrive BUT work has started on the "removal" of the old engine.



Step 1 - Prepare the indside of the "Gartent" (TM) (Garage & Tent) floor

Once the "Gartent" was completed with one groundsheet and plywood flooring

Installed a LED floodlighting and inspection lamp it was cosy, dry and quite warm. Only issue was the very small door flap entrance.

I had purchase an ATV / Motorbike lift jack a while ago to better remove engines. It has a larger lifting area for more stable engine removal (especially as I do it alone) and more stable than a single small trolley jack.


The only modification was a wooden board mounted on the two forks.

The slides under and has a bottle pump jack. Then the engine can be pulled backwards without all the struggling to pull back and balance at the same time.

I had to jack the rear of the van up to give better access and to get the jack under.

Removed the battery connections, rear bumper, valance, fuel lines, accelerator, air filter & wiring.

Undid the bolts and pulled back. Very smooth and easy pull backwards on the castors.





Engine out!

So the engine was out and the lifting jack makes a height adjustable work bench for the strip down.


Home for the rest of the work.

Part 2 - Strip down to follow

Monday 17 September 2018

New Engine........ Required

Quick post today.

Update : Betty has been running rougher and rougher at the start of the year and come June she has developed a noise (Internal engine) and a nasty random backfire.

Down on power and slower than normal.

So I spent a few days checking tappets, changing oil, doing compression tests and could not find anything wrong.

So I have decided to get a new engine. Mainly because it can't be heads or valve damage as compression is good and the noise is not good.

So the options where:



So I have decided a "new" engine would be a better use of the money as we plan to keep the van for many years and the difference is not massive and Zero miles gives better warranty and peace of mind.

So the work has started:

First job build a weather proof working space:





The tent has now been give the nickname "GarTent" (TM) After Garage & Tent)

Stay tuned for further updates on the Engine replacement process....