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Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 06 Jan 2016, 22:15
by RCN
Looking to rebuild a 1.9 DG Petrol
would like to use the original crank and cam if poss and supply the oversized bearings as needed
Does anyone in the Weybridge or Basingstoke do this or can recommend a company near these two places?
Cheers

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016, 18:14
by itchyfeet
Don't think there are any new cranks available, never heard of anybody on here regrinding, maybe Holman Engineering will Silverbuilet on here
http://www.holman-engineering.co.uk/aut ... -index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A quick google of Crank regrind services locally finds these, get a quote, any more than 170 quid isn't worth it
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/type25- ... StartRow=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.bandaengineering.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.hthoward.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cam can't be reworked buy new if it's had it, you may need to swap your gear because they come in differerent diameters ( number stamped on ) and new ones may not be available in your size, the machine shop you choose for the crank will be able to swap it, it's riveted on.

is it an early or late WBW, slight differences in main bearings and cam shells

just checked VW Heratige and Cams now seem very cheap the were 200 quid :shock: mad not to change it anyway, ask if they have a choice of gear sizes
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/type25- ... StartRow=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cheers
Paul

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016, 20:51
by silverbullet
For crank grinding I would go to Owslebury Crankshaft Services at Winchester.
Cams cannot be recovered once the lobes are worn.
Tbh I would always convert to DJ spec if possible, the torque gain is well worth it.

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016, 21:07
by itchyfeet
silverbullet wrote:For crank grinding I would go to Owslebury Crankshaft Services at Winchester.
.

I saw that website but could not see a contact so wasn't sure where they were
http://www.ocservice.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A reccomendation is always best, thanks, would you pay extra over a VWH reground crank?

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016, 21:56
by silverbullet
OCS have a contact button at the top rhs of the home page?
They were recommended to me by a greatly experienced big block Chevy man (read: grizzled old fart who has built more 400hp Detroit engines than I have had hot meals)
Note that OCS do not supply parts, so you will need to tell them the journal sizes you want or take new bearings with you.
I cannot fault their work.

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016, 21:59
by silverbullet
PS the OCS website works ok in desktop version, bit of a mare on tapatalk/mobile...

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016, 23:05
by 123-jn
Does the crank actually need a regrind, I have looked at three now and all were within spec for standard bearings. One is back in My DG at present with good oil pressure and I'm building an MV one at present , again within spec. Unless it has seized or done a very very high mileage It may well be fine.

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 08 Jan 2016, 00:14
by ajsimmo
I'm with Ian (Silverbullet) on going DJ spec if you have the chance. Just change crankshaft (new are available), cam, pistons, genuine NOS conrods (in lieu of unavailable stretch bolts), add the oil warmer and you're away.

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 08 Jan 2016, 06:11
by itchyfeet
ajsimmo wrote:I'm with Ian (Silverbullet) on going DJ spec if you have the chance. Just change crankshaft (new are available), cam, pistons, genuine NOS conrods (in lieu of unavailable stretch bolts), add the oil warmer and you're away.

Sounds expensive if all bought new, second hand DJ's fetch a good price too.

Where can you get the new cranks from Andrew?
Why do you need to change conrods for non stretch bolts? Are DJ and late DG conrods same?
One other thing, early DG case isn't suitable for DJ I read without grinding mods, is that true?

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 08 Jan 2016, 08:32
by CJH
123-jn wrote:Does the crank actually need a regrind, I have looked at three now and all were within spec for standard bearings. One is back in My DG at present with good oil pressure and I'm building an MV one at present , again within spec. Unless it has seized or done a very very high mileage It may well be fine.

The crank in the engine I bought from a scrap yard looked dreadful and I was convinced it would need a regrind, but in fact it was just that some material from the worn bearings had transferred to the journals. For that to happen I assume it may well have seized. But after a polish they were all within spec for standard bearings.

Re: Anyone here do crank and cam rebuilding?

Posted: 08 Jan 2016, 12:47
by RCN
Thanks everyone, I'll look a the OCS website and look into the DJ option. I'll inspect the crank more closely against the specs. to see if it is OK
This is why I love this forum, ask a question or for help and loads of knowledge comes pouring back.
:ok