Taking A Peak At What's Inside a B3

[bhearts]

So you used the bearings already on the rods?

[dalebwilson]

So you used the bearings already on the rods?

Yes...they had no visible wear and cleaned up nicely. Used plenty of assembly lube and torqued them to spec.

[bhearts]

I didn't know you could do that. Hmm.

[dalebwilson]

I didn't know you could do that. Hmm.

Bhearts...If I were building a complete engine, I would have certainly replaced everything in the bottom end including the rod bearings. While driving this $500 car 200 miles per day with 280K on the odometer, my intention here was simply to determine the cause of the oil consumption and low vacuum and repair at the lowest cost.

[bhearts]

I'm not hating. I just had no idea they could be reused. I've never built an engine personally. But I like learning what I can before I dive in.

[bolokid]

Bhearts...If I were building a complete engine, I would have certainly replaced everything in the bottom end including the rod bearings. While driving this $500 car 200 miles per day with 280K on the odometer, my intention here was simply to determine the cause of the oil consumption and low vacuum and repair at the lowest cost.

From looking at the pics in posting #13 am I correct in assuming that you pulled the pistons and worked on the block while the block was still in the car?

OK, I reread original thread.

[nonamekid]

I might have to consider doing this on a few of the engines I have. Didn't realize that the cost was so low.

[dalebwilson]

I'm not hating. I just had no idea they could be reused. I've never built an engine personally. But I like learning what I can before I dive in.

No worries Bhearts, I didn't take it that way. Good luck for your future rebuild.

[bhearts]

No worries Bhearts, I didn't take it that way. Good luck for your future rebuild.

I'm building a turbo car before I've ever done an engine rebuild :-$

[Fordverde]

What the hell is in that stuff Berryman's Chem-Dip???? Sweet Jesus!!! need to get me some of that juice!!

[jimdigs]

Great stuff Dale. Glad all is running great for ya. Wish I lived near ya so you could do mine. :woc:

[dalebwilson]

What the hell is in that stuff Berryman's Chem-Dip???? Sweet Jesus!!! need to get me some of that juice!!

Gotta WalMart near you?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/17491945?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227017563401&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40838859392&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78652565912&veh=sem

[dalebwilson]

I might have to consider doing this on a few of the engines I have. Didn't realize that the cost was so low.

Absolutely. The costs are minimal but the results can be quite substantial. One reason I posted this thread was to give an alternative to those that do not wish to pull and replace their engine. The bottom end of the B3's are robust enough that normally the rings wear before other moving parts. The work that I did can be easily done in a half to one full day. The only specialized tools needed are a torque wrench, feeler gauge and a ring compressor.

[dalebwilson]

I thought I would post an update at the 500 mile break in period after the new piston rings were installed.

-Normal vacuum at idle has increased from 20hg to 22hg and is very smooth. (Ignition timing set at -10BTDC)
-The B3 continues to gain noticeable power each day. (I did install an Aspire cam and rockers while the head was off)
-On my normal 100 mile commute, I am averaging 50 mpg's. (This is combined mountain and highway driving) Before the new rings were installed, I was averaging 42-45 mpg's.
-Engine oil remains clear and no smoke from the exhaust. There is no noticeable oil consumption. (Per the recommended interval, I plan on changing the break in oil and filter this weekend)

Very pleased with the inexpensive fix.

[Fordverde]

Yes i do, but never seen it. Good to hear the old B3 is behaving well!