VIN 4566 Restoration

[Guinney1971]

Fascinating stuff.

All I'd advise Dan, is investigate the VOD for block rot so you don't find yourself hunting for a new engine like I am.

[Rissy]

(26 Oct 2016, 17:25)Guinney1971 Wrote: Fascinating stuff.

All I'd advise Dan, is investigate the VOD for block rot so you don't find yourself hunting for a new engine like I am.

I remember advising the exact same thing to everyone over a year ago after I found my block rot. 

[Guinney1971]

easy saying with hindsight, and to be fair, not everyone is skilled in engine diving or has the time.

In a way, I wish we'd have sorted it in 2003, the last time I had that engine in bits, we had a poke around and cleaned it up, but never sealed it. Also, on and off over the years, my car has spent a considerable amount of time outside, due to not having a garage to store it in, so its been exposed to the elements.

[Dan Willis]

Thanks both/all.

The garage is square ,oddly enough - 5mx5m. I know this as I'd been interested in a two-post lift, which would fit but not with two cars in it.

In any case, I'll be doing plenty of investigation on the block and will remove the plugs as per Chris's recommendation and give it a good clean. If the engine is toast, I need to know before I start spending on it.

More work soon (this weekend) so I'll post pics and vids as usual. I'm kinda surprised how little this stuff is done given how many restorations must be completed over the years, but I'd rather share so everyone can see how EASY some of it is, and how HARD some is to come (like, putting it back together )

[Guinney1971]

nice one Dan

[Dan Willis]

I envisaged getting more done this weekend than I managed. The frame, though simple, hides many a bolt, cable, hose and... things, that are tough to get to, or get a spanner on, or hell, just soak enough to try the above. So, more next weekend.. that said, I removed some bits of the engine (and where things didn't snap/sheer, I soaked). 

I also managed to start cleaning the underside of the tub. Although it'll never be seen, I intend to clean it up and repair/sand/paint where needed. So far, so good.

Front nearly stripped; soaking rack bolts for removal:
Engine and chassis works by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Clutch and various bits removed:
Engine and chassis works by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Clutch looking tired:

Engine and chassis works by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Tub looking much better already:
Engine and chassis works by Dan Willis, on Flickr

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[Guinney1971]

wow!

[Chris P]

(02 Nov 2016, 12:39)Guinney1971 Wrote: wow!

Wow indeed.  Good work Dan.

[Dan Willis]

Technical issues (i.e. camera saying it's taking pictures, but really not) means work has progressed, but I have little to show of it.

That said, today I finished stripping the frame:

Further chassis work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Further chassis work by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Anyone know how to get these (brake lines) out? I've tried everything including a large hammer and they refuse to budge:

Further chassis work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Further chassis work by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Now, given the time of year, it'll be a while before the frame is sorted, so in the meantime I'll be stripped the engine down. That.. should be interesting

[Chris Williams]

Brute force with the brake lines I'm afraid! It's amazing how well they bond in after all these years. You can try drilling the middle out or a giant 'G Clamp' and a couple of sockets to wind them out having cut of the flexi bit.
Chris

[Dan Willis]

Cheers Chris; I'll continue hitting them with heavy things.

[Dan Willis]

A (very) small update;

Engine exhaust and cat removed; rocker covers removed; flywheel removed.
DeLorean engine work by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Evidence of oil and water mixing (only "some" but "some" is enough):
DeLorean engine work by Dan Willis, on Flickr

A smidge closer:
DeLorean engine work by Dan Willis, on Flickr

I also spent some time cleaning the underside of the tub, which is slowly but surely changing from brown to black.

So, next job is to hook it up to an engine stand and remove the timing cover, the chains then the heads. That should mean I can then remove the sump, crank and so on... baby steps.

[Dan Willis]

What a pig the PRV is; interesting layout (the block in two parts... not helpful when it's on a stand!)

In any case, the engine is now pretty much stripped. I had to do this because what oil there was, was disgusting, and it's everywhere - in the water, in the bearings etc - so it has to be stripped and cleaned. The block, for what it's worth, seems okay. The liners.. I'm not sure about, nor the pistons themselves, or really, any of it that isn't silly money to replace.

All bearings are worn, as are the camshafts, so rebuilding means a clean block, replacement liners (I think) and perhaps more. Is it worth it? Financially, no - DeLorean.eu lists pistons at €1500 alone. Hmm.

DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Heads off and, yuk.
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
More of the same
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Pistons out
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Other side
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr

Example of the liner; looks a bit tired
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Another example
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
One of the liners - came out.. I wasn't sure they did, but it wasn't even "stuck" (the others all are)
DeLorean Engine Work by Dan Willis, on Flickr
Example of a piston head

I'll get some pics of the cams, bearings etc later - I've had enough of it today!

[Chris Williams]

Of little help I know, but I have seen worse! The gap between liner and block completely filled with a solid mass. The other liners should pop out with a little help (hammer lol) probably just the corrosion holding them in. You may be surprised how well a lot of what you have will clean up and be re-usable. There a pretty tough engine really. As I mentioned before please don't get rid of anything I can re-use it to keep another car alive.
Looks like it's time to decide what route to go down..............re-build or change power plant time?????????
Chris

[Chris P]

Personally, i'd re-build. As Chris W says, most bits will probably clean up, you could get away with a quick re-honing on the bores and new piston rings. Or a re-bore if its very worn. ( not sure if you can do that with wet liners) .  New big end shells, unless very worn.  All engines look tatty when you get them stripped down. The PRV is a pretty good engine overall.

If you've not already done so Dan, i'd get very friendly with a local engine re-build specialist.  Take a few of the key components along to him to look at and measure up….then get his advice on the best way to proceed. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.  

( I did this with my Auto G/box last year…found one of the countries leading specialists just 20 miles away….cost me only £100 for him to put it all back together. Plus Richard H rebuilt my computer governor …a bargain )


Good luck.