Ok it's beginning to look a lot like a project!

[Melissa]

Melissa

I bought this balljoint splitter years ago; it's one of the most useful tools I've got. They're widely available on Amazon and eBay
.View attachment 24702

just found one, 20 euros just like yours, cheers

 

[Melissa]

ok confession time...having never delved into engines to this degree before I'm worried I will do something & mess up the timing, but the big cog with the timing mark on is fixed at TDC isn't it so I can't change that, so I shouldn't worry. I think!

 

[JdeW]

Melissa

I bought this balljoint splitter years ago; it's one of the most useful tools I've got. They're widely available on Amazon and eBay
.View attachment 24702

Yes, one of the best inventions since sliced bread.

 

[JdeW]

ok confession time...having never delved into engines to this degree before I'm worried I will do something & mess up the timing, but the big cog with the timing mark on is fixed at TDC isn't it so I can't change that, so I shouldn't worry. I think!

Maybe this link in the projects section may help https://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/threads/r4-tl-restauration.7670/post-51742
A full restoration of a 4L done by @Jurjenz, everything very detailed and explained and his 4L transformed from scrap to mint.
Clicking on the link and the engine story begins.

 

[Melissa]

Maybe this link in the projects section may help https://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/threads/r4-tl-restauration.7670/post-51742
A full restoration of a 4L done by @Jurjenz, everything very detailed and explained and his 4L transformed from scrap to mint.
Clicking on the link and the engine story begins.

a brilliant thread, thanks for the link

 

[Melissa]

amazing restoration @Jurjenz & a great story to follow.

 

[Domsky]

About using the drill to lap the valves ,
You can do it , just use bit of flexible hose (like a fuel line or something like that )
To slide on top of the valve stem ant attach the other side to the drill , use a little bit of wd40 to dilute the paste, and modulate the pressure to allow the paste-wd40 mixture to go back on the lapped surface.

 

[Melissa]

I had to down tools for a few months for various reasons, good to finally be cracking on, thanks to Harbourseal & Mojo for advice I've got the drive shafts & steering bits out, just the brake cable to undo & the engine mounts & I can lift out the engine!

 

[mojobaby]

Great progress, well done!

 

[Melissa]

Great progress, well done!

she's ready to be hoisted tomorrow morning & can I just say thanks to all of you who encouraged me to get the engine out, 1st time is always going to be the hardest, but I've already learnt how so many other bits fit together. Trying to clean inside the block was v difficult with the engine still in this way I can do a much better job, so cheers

 

[harbourseal]

Good luck. It turned out nicely so far.
Life is a learning experience.

 

[Melissa]

 

[Melissa]

finally out, chassis doesn't look bad at all, just filthy!

 

[Melissa]

Good luck. It turned out nicely so far.
Life is a learning experience.

sure is, & one reason why it's so good....although tonight is a very sad, dark day for the UK

 

[mojobaby]

Congratulations! I remember very well the moment I took out my engine. It's a feeling of great accomplishment.

So now that you've done the hard part, the interesting part lies ahead of you

 

[JdeW]

....although tonight is a very sad, dark day for the UK

A sad and dark day for the UK? Uhm, have I missed something?

 

[JdeW]

So now that you've done the hard part, the interesting part lies ahead of you

And that's indeed more interesting but also even a harder and eventualy the more fun part

 

[Melissa]

A sad and dark day for the UK? Uhm, have I missed something?

yep we left the EU!

 

[Melissa]

pistons all clean...engine I bought has a totally shot piston..cleaning cleaning cleaning!

 

[Melissa]

took the chain cover off today & the tensioner has deep grooves in it, I'm thinking it shouldn't & I need a new one, is that correct all knowing R4 peeps?