1108cc Engine Technical Advice

[jcarruthers2]

Hi

I bought a 1108cc engine as a spare for my R4. It was bought already out of the car. Therefore, I did not witness it running but was told it had been running. The engine turns freely from the crankshaft. However, I discovered water in the oil and suspected the head gasket had gone. I took the head off which confirmed the gasket had perished/overheated between No. 2 and No. 3 pistons. My plan was to skim the cylinder head and replace with new head gasket etc. However, I noticed that on the piston crowns there are arrows with the letter 'V' stamped on them which stand for the French word for flywheel (Volant). The arrows on No 1 and 4 pistons are facing in the right direction (towards the flywheel). However, the arrows on No 2 and No 3 pistons are facing in the opposite direction (towards the back of the engine, timing chain). Therefore, I am suspecting the engine has had previous piston/liner work and these pistons have been put in the wrong way round. I'm wondering if it is just a coincidence the gasket has gone between these two pistons which are facing the wrong way or might there be a connection. Does it matter that the arrows are facing the wrong way? Would I be wasting my time putting the head back on without attending to this or would it be ok to leave these pistons as is?

Any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Chris

 

[ggcton]

Hi

I bought a 1108cc engine as a spare for my R4. It was bought already out of the car. Therefore, I did not witness it running but was told it had been running. The engine turns freely from the crankshaft. However, I discovered water in the oil and suspected the head gasket had gone. I took the head off which confirmed the gasket had perished/overheated between No. 2 and No. 3 pistons. My plan was to skim the cylinder head and replace with new head gasket etc. However, I noticed that on the piston crowns there are arrows with the letter 'V' stamped on them which stand for the French word for flywheel (Volant). The arrows on No 1 and 4 pistons are facing in the right direction (towards the flywheel). However, the arrows on No 2 and No 3 pistons are facing in the opposite direction (towards the back of the engine, timing chain). Therefore, I am suspecting the engine has had previous piston/liner work and these pistons have been put in the wrong way round. I'm wondering if it is just a coincidence the gasket has gone between these two pistons which are facing the wrong way or might there be a connection. Does it matter that the arrows are facing the wrong way? Would I be wasting my time putting the head back on without attending to this or would it be ok to leave these pistons as is?

Any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Chris

If the liners were not secured when removing the head I would change the liner gaskets at the same time this would give you the opportunity to rectify any piston or ring problems and check your crankshaft and bearings.You only want to do the job once.

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi qqcton

Thank you for your reply. You are absolutely right, I only want to do the job once! I gently removed the head and fitted liner retainers straight away without turning the engine.

Best Regards

Chris