Head problem

[Harveymunns]

Hello all - this is my first post! Over the last year I've learnt so much from this forum that has helped me sort out all sorts of problems I've had with my Devon 2.0 Aircooled automatic - so thank you!

But I need your thoughts as to what I should do next!

The van was running great, had a rolling tune this month and all good but yesterday driving to Margate the engine lost power spluttered but I managed to nurse it home. 

The engine runs and I did a dry compression check, 110 on 1 and 2 but on 3 I think it's toast! The plug has melted and removed an insert which I guess is part of the head! (Cylinder 4 is 120)! 

Can't really see what damage is in cylinder 3 - could I get a replacement head and engine rebuild or is this a new/recon engine due to overheating?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75814282@N06/52656346520/in/dateposted-ff/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75814282@N06/52656393558/in/dateposted-ff/
 

[Mocki]

Swapping a head isnt a biggy on a CU , if you can find one

[Harveymunns]

Swapping a head isnt a biggy on a CU , if you can find one

Thanks Mocki, hopefully it's just the head, I see Brickwerk do them so will start a parts list.

[SyncroMatt]

Honestly, it depends what has happened inside no3. Cylinder. You'll know when you take the head off.

If it's holed the piston or introduced pieces down into the sump, then that would be a worse case scenario.

[Harveymunns]

Honestly, it depends what has happened inside no3. Cylinder. You'll know when you take the head off.

If it's holed the piston or introduced pieces down into the sump, then that would be a worse case scenario.

I'll get an endoscope on it and have look down the bore.
I don't have the experience or space to do a rebuild myself so will look for someone in the Kent area and get the van transported there. Hopefully the piston isn't holed and it's a straightforward rebuild.

[mike the van]

Yep, unfortunately no 3 is the one that gets hot, just by some quirk of the cooling system. Hopefully it is just the head that needs replacing. Sometimes think that a tune up makes it all work slightly better and you drive as you should, but an underlying issue just gets worse.

Mike

[sarran1955]

Hello,

So the cylinder head had already been reworked having a Helicoil plug insert. This looks to have melted, due to overheating and/or pre-ignition.

"The van was running great, had a rolling tune this month and all good but yesterday driving to Margate the engine lost power spluttered but I managed to nurse it home. "

Was the timing altered....

So, engine out,(no big deal), you will need a replacement head, for the cost I would fit new standard (AA performance or similar) pistons and barrels. Spend out on the proper gasket sets..

Second hand heads are few and far between, they are not handed, but I would suggest  doing the valve guides and new exhaust valves..

A couple of videos:

Heads..



Pistons and barrels...



About 1000 pounds/euros will sort it and make it gleam if you DIY..

A nice Spring project for you...

Air-Cooled Bliss...

Cordialement,

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[Harveymunns]

Thanks for the info sarran1955

The van has gone off to get an engine rebuild along with a carb kit so hopefully this will get me out on the road again very soon.

Cheers