Bad news, engine rebuild/replacement

[spence]

I took the car to the mechanic to verify my work, get it looked over thoroughly. He checked timing, adjusted my carb some more, cleaned the plugs, did a compression test, low compression all over, worse on 1 and 4. Bottom end/crank. Said the engine would need a complete rebuild, quoted $4-6. I told them to stop there, I would pick it up. So now, this turns to a hunt for an engine. Truly sad news, can't help but feel the previous owner knew, and played on my stupidity. Ultimately, my fault for being so impulsive. That aside, where do I start to look for an engine, besides the usual Google search. Also, what are my options on cost if I rebuild myself? Guy's, thanks for all your help and knowledge, wish I had better news.

Spence

[barnesjtsl]

The first place I would look is craigslist. In the Portland OR area we see parts cars and rebuilders all the time.

Below are a couple of possibilities if you happen to be in the Portland area.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/2086229843.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/2084025481.html

[spence]

thanks for the reply, in Nashville. Imperative that it be a 1608cc. I want to keep the car original.

[mdrburchette]

I think you should consider building the engine yourself if you don't want to pay someone. 4-6K for an engine rebuild is pretty steep. If you find another 1608, it's going to be a 40 year old engine and will probably need rebuilt too. In fact, I was going to offer you one of mine, but you'd be in the same boat as you are now.

[2ndwind]

Spence,
Your car will not be "original" if you replace it with a different 1608. I would pick up a used, running engine of any size that doesn't require a hood change. Swap it with your current engine. Then take the time to rebuild your original engine yourself. This will also give you time to hunt down a quality machine shop for farming out some of the jobs on the engine you need (head planing) or are uncomfortable with.

An alternative is to buy this: http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/2070200938.html
while tinkering with yours. Get yours running and sell which ever one you don't want.

[wikkid]

Neat orange car. I like 2ndWind's advice, and +1 on DIY re-build.
I wouldn't fret over the need to re-build, as it will get your engine where you KNOW it is all good. You will keep it truly original, and will have something of which to be very proud.

[radiopilot]

Spence,

Get a short block from Matthews as I did... best short block I bought, and it did not cost me a bundle and Tim is a great guy... I will be rebuilding this short block (came with a very nice no dent oil pan, oil pump, etc.) so in goes new rings, journal bearing, connecting rod bearings, seals, etc. and I will be using Carrillo rods on this rebuild... never again to have a broken rod ever! Plus it will be a learning experience for me...

Call Tim at Matthews as he has very good blocks ready for rebuilding.

http://matthewsfiatparts.com/

Nick

[spence]

Thanks for the advice and replies. Mark and I discussed the pros/cons of each. Oh, and that neat orange car, thats mine for sale before I knew the damage.lol I need to take it down

[wikkid]

I guess 2 early, orange Spiders at the same time would be too good to be true?!

[majicwrench]

Spence,
There is no real reason engine needs to be rebuilt to run right. The bearing are NOT causing it to rum poorly. Very, very seldom are rings going to cause running issues unless it is fouling plugs, in which case it would be blowing smoke. What logic is this guy using to say it needs a complete rebuild?? Just what were the compression readings?? This all smells fishy to me. It may, MAY need a valve grind to run right. But at the same time, has he checked the valve clearance?
Keith

[spence]

I'm picking it up Thursday, i'll know more then. the plugs were fouled, does blow smoke. Just weird I'm having two different mechanics months a part, saying the engine is shot. But again, I plan,to keep the car, so a rebuild was in the future, and of ccourse im doing it myself. Im not paying 4k!

[So Cal Mark]

I know you want to keep the 1608, but a used 1800 is the easiest motor to find. You could install an 1800 while you're rebuilding the 1608. Nothing will get changed permanently while you have the 1800 in place

[spence]

Compression was low across the motor 95 on cyl 1, 80 on cyl 2, 95 on cyl 3, and 90 on cyl 4. There's a low end knock.
I have a guy that wants to buy it for $1500, I may go ahead and do it. I have yet to start my new job, time is limited etc.
I hate but feel like it's time to cut my losses.

EDIT: Sadness, I just sold the car. Without a job, no way to finish, decided best to cut my losses. See you guys on the flip side.

[mdrburchette]

How sad, Spence. Hopefully things will start looking up and you can find another one.

[spence]

Is sad. And he's going to paint it red, that's sad. Hard to find the orange