Page 1 of 3
broke down...engine blown? UPDATED WITH PICS
Posted: 12 Oct 2014, 18:48
by paulandchez
Currently at charnock services. Lost power on M6 just before the turn off. The choke flaps were going mental and after pulling in, as soon as I put clutch in it stalled. Oil has leaked from rocker covers and looks like the breather too. The smell was horrible. Let her cool down then put some oil in but won't start. As it cranks it sounds like the flywheel is scraping against something, like something has seized.
Waiting for AA now but worried they'll say engine has blown

Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 13 Oct 2014, 16:04
by faggie
was this a cu motor how can the choke flaps go mental
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 13 Oct 2014, 17:08
by kevtherev
faggie wrote:was this a cu motor how can the choke flaps go mental
X2 ^^
..and it reads like the crankcase breather was blocked, pressurising the engine case, forcing the oil out.
Scraping could be unrelated.
oiled plugs?
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 13 Oct 2014, 17:31
by BOXY
My choke flap was going mental when my valve seat had gone AWOL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npz2E1C0KDU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 13 Oct 2014, 20:04
by paulandchez
Yes it's a cu engine. The breather did look like it had spat oil out so what could cause a blockage? Now I'm home (via nice man with a truck) I've turned the key and engine turns over and even started but clearly not sounding like its on all cylinders. So I don't think it's seized which was my worst fear! Didn't keep it on for more than a few seconds though in case I did more damage.
I'm thinking my only option Is to drop the engine out and start stripping it down to see what the damage is....unless you guys have some better ideas?
Thanks
Paul
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 13 Oct 2014, 21:18
by Cheeky V
*firstly do a compression or leak down test* Well considering Boxy has experienced this and it was a dropped valve seat I think i'd lower the engine on a jack (and then stabilize with large bits of wood, bricks or anything sturdy) but not detach, so you could pull off the head from the side that the choke flap is going nuts on and see whats going on. Pics would be lovely
P.s, you've not by any chance adjusted the tappets recently?
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 13 Oct 2014, 21:54
by paulandchez
No not adjusted the tappets recently. Did these ages ago. This issue is defo more than tappets needing adjustment. Doing a compression test will mean cranking again and I'm really worried each time I do that I'll cause more damage
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 14 Oct 2014, 09:19
by Cheeky V
Sorry my thought with the tappets was if the adjusters had been over tightened they would be holding the inlet valve open, hence giving some where for the ignited gases to go.
won't have to crank it if you do a leak down test though, you'll just have to turn the engine to tdc with a socket on the nut in the center of the flywheel, if not then pull that head off

Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 14 Oct 2014, 10:00
by AdrianC
paulandchez wrote:Doing a compression test will mean cranking again and I'm really worried each time I do that I'll cause more damage
You won't damage anything that's not already buggered. If you're not happy cranking it, you might as well just pull the engine and take the head off to have a look.
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 14 Oct 2014, 11:36
by paulandchez
Ok thanks guys. If I'm not going to do any more damage than already done, would you reverse on to ramps for easier access, or try getting it up using jacks and blocks for height?
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 14 Oct 2014, 11:39
by AdrianC
paulandchez wrote:Ok thanks guys. If I'm not going to do any more damage than already done, would you reverse on to ramps for easier access, or try getting it up using jacks and blocks for height?
I'd go with the ramps.
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 14 Oct 2014, 11:59
by Cheeky V
Aye, the ramps save a bit of hassle
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 14 Oct 2014, 13:49
by faggie
just go with the ramps but just jack van up and fit ramps under wheels don't drive it up onto ramps
Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 15 Oct 2014, 17:24
by sarran1955
Hello,
Calm down.. its an Aircooled..
Simple and robust....
If it is not losing oil and will start and run.. then you are on the right track.
However.. if you want to continue in Aircooled Bliss..
Then a engine out and top end overhaul will be needed.....
A little video to get you started..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGC3EZX ... gNrGfa9EAg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cordialement,

Re: broke down...engine blown?
Posted: 16 Oct 2014, 22:11
by paulandchez
Thanks all.
Sarran....thanks for the link. I've used your vids loads of times now and esp that full rebuild post you did. Very helpful indeed. Daft thing is, it's only a few months since I drove all the way to Vendee and back without an issue, and I nip down the road to Wigan and she goes bang!