Full strip, evaluation and re-build of a Spitfire 1500 engine.
Original 1500 engine with 58,000 miles on the clock.
| Engine in car as received - 1. |
| Engine in car as received - 2. |
| Rocker cover,
manifolds and carbs removed. Hoist fitted to spreader bar in garage roof
to lift engine and gearbox out in one lump.
Even though engine has not run for many years it is not seized. However, one pushrod is out of location but not damaged??
|
| Position of plug leads - reference. |
| Engine on stand, with side extension pieces to enable secure fixing with access to all bolts. |
| Position of Distributer against pistons - reference. |
| Head - rather filthy but all parts function OK - stripdown and clean later. |
| Not the way to try and undo this nut - see later comments. |
| Position of drive to pistons for re-assembly. |
| All caps marked for re-assembly. |
| Record of oil pump in case. |
| This is how the book shows you to undo the 1.7/8" nut. I wish I'd paid attention as first time around I used a wrench with an extension bar on the handle - broke the wrench and my little finger! The only way this nut comes off is to soak it in penetrating oil for days then carefully heat the nut then apply significant force (plus shock) via a socket (3/4" drive) with timber in engine case taking load from crank. |
| Position of timing chain and marks (centre dots) for re-assembly - 1 at TDC. |
| Crank out but pistons and rods all left in - all caps and rods marked (centre dots) for re-assembly. |
| Crank removed, needs cleaning and timing gear pulling off. Journals 'look and feel' OK - full metrology to be done.
Crank Pin diameters: 1=47.628mm, 2=47.630mm, 3=47.624mm & 4=47.627mm Main diameters: 1=58.717mm, 2=58.715mm & 3=58.715mm Thrust Gap: 0.279mm |
| Engine block stripped, bores all measure round and are all within original manufacturers size. Bottom of bores typically 2 microns larger than top. No scores.
Bore 1=73.658mm to 73.659mm, Bore 2=73.662mm to 73.662mm, Bore 3=73.650mm to 73.652mm & Bore 4=73.660mm to 73.662mm |
| Pistons, rods, caps and all fixings out ready for clean-up and full inspection. Bearings in rod no.
2 have a score down the middle so must have picked up at some point in the past. Crank 'looks' OK.
Standard size rings and bearings required for re-build. I will start with standard thrust washers and measure 'float' again during build. |
| Head stripped for cleaning and valve lapping - any valve seals fit these engines? |
