Any DIY engine rebuilders, what are u working on?
- Thread starter buckz6319
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just wondering if I will go back with this old style valve stem seal, or have the stubs groud down to accept the newer style umbrella valve seals?. I haven checked out the head yet, just thinking ahead
seal up on the stem for clarity
seal in correct position
seal up on the stem for clarity
seal in correct position
Just started a thread in the photo section dedicated to engine assembly pics. Lots of good shots in there so far.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3581756/Engine_assembly_pics#Post3581756
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3581756/Engine_assembly_pics#Post3581756
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
Originally Posted By: Charlie1935
Been a lot of years since I did any.
In the past-
Small block Chevys-265-283-327-350
6 cyl. 235
Mopars-225/6-V8-273-383
Ford-239 flat head-
352-390-427.
Have a 400 Mopar I hope to do some day.
Forgot about the nail-head Buicks we ran in sprint cars around 1970. 401 and 425 CID.
Been a lot of years since I did any.
In the past-
Small block Chevys-265-283-327-350
6 cyl. 235
Mopars-225/6-V8-273-383
Ford-239 flat head-
352-390-427.
Have a 400 Mopar I hope to do some day.
Forgot about the nail-head Buicks we ran in sprint cars around 1970. 401 and 425 CID.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
Originally Posted By: Charlie1935
Originally Posted By: Charlie1935
Been a lot of years since I did any.
In the past-
Small block Chevys-265-283-327-350
6 cyl. 235
Mopars-225/6-V8-273-383
Ford-239 flat head-
352-390-427.
Have a 400 Mopar I hope to do some day.
Forgot about the nail-head Buicks we ran in sprint cars around 1970. 401 and 425 CID.
I never heard of such an engine, until you mentioned it. I had to go do some research on it, what a cool engine.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotiv...ve-arrangement/
Originally Posted By: Charlie1935
Been a lot of years since I did any.
In the past-
Small block Chevys-265-283-327-350
6 cyl. 235
Mopars-225/6-V8-273-383
Ford-239 flat head-
352-390-427.
Have a 400 Mopar I hope to do some day.
Forgot about the nail-head Buicks we ran in sprint cars around 1970. 401 and 425 CID.
I never heard of such an engine, until you mentioned it. I had to go do some research on it, what a cool engine.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotiv...ve-arrangement/
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I do have the skills to do this, because I have all my ASE certifications.
When I am looking at a job that I will do, my favorite question to ask is "How many offensive words will I be shouting over the course of this task?"
I know the VR6 is an unusual engine, but I don't know if that means it is a difficult engine to work with.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I do have the skills to do this, because I have all my ASE certifications.
When I am looking at a job that I will do, my favorite question to ask is "How many offensive words will I be shouting over the course of this task?"
I know the VR6 is an unusual engine, but I don't know if that means it is a difficult engine to work with.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I do have the skills to do this, because I have all my ASE certifications.
When I am looking at a job that I will do, my favorite question to ask is "How many offensive words will I be shouting over the course of this task?"
I know the VR6 is an unusual engine, but I don't know if that means it is a difficult engine to work with.
deleter comment
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I do have the skills to do this, because I have all my ASE certifications.
When I am looking at a job that I will do, my favorite question to ask is "How many offensive words will I be shouting over the course of this task?"
I know the VR6 is an unusual engine, but I don't know if that means it is a difficult engine to work with.
deleter comment
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
what do you normally work on all types of engines?
I have medical problems, that is why I am not working. I did a little bit of everything, but I never rebuilt an engine. If a car came in with a dead engine, it would get a low mileage junkyard engine swapped in.
As for the project vehicle, I don't have one yet. I am waiting for a legal settlement, and once I get it, I will search for the RV I like. I might not even end up rebuilding a VR6, because I may end up with one in excellent condition.
what do you normally work on all types of engines?
I have medical problems, that is why I am not working. I did a little bit of everything, but I never rebuilt an engine. If a car came in with a dead engine, it would get a low mileage junkyard engine swapped in.
As for the project vehicle, I don't have one yet. I am waiting for a legal settlement, and once I get it, I will search for the RV I like. I might not even end up rebuilding a VR6, because I may end up with one in excellent condition.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I do have the skills to do this, because I have all my ASE certifications.
When I am looking at a job that I will do, my favorite question to ask is "How many offensive words will I be shouting over the course of this task?"
I know the VR6 is an unusual engine, but I don't know if that means it is a difficult engine to work with.
cool...ASE certs, that's a huge accomplishment!! congrats.
I don't have any certs for mechanics, but love to do mechanic work for family and friends on the side. I wish I would have went to school for mechanics (not sure what they call it now) and not for what my current profession is.
The VR6 should be a piece of cake for you to rebuild, given you training. I too would be using a few choice words while working on that engine Lol
good luck, and keep us updated on when you start this project.
what do you normally work on all types of engines?
did you look at any pics I put up of the build I'm working on?
I would like your input on anything you may see that I may not have done correctly. I appreciate it
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I never have rebuilt an engine, but I am going to someday fix a Winnebago Rialta, Winnebago Vista, or Itasca Sunstar. Is a Volkswagen 2.8L VR6 difficult to rebuild?
The VR6 is a weird engine to begin with. the pistons are off set
If you have mechanical abilities? then you should purchase a "Shop Manual" they are expensive, but you should find a used one
in good condition. The OTC manuals are good for basic maintenance, and then some, however they usually cover several years, and they can be confusing, because they take some short cuts. The OTC manuals do help, I have about 20, but just keep in mind that they can't possibly put a start to finish total rebuild in a book that is only about 1" thick. IMO.
I would suggest also to do extensive web searching too. It will help let you know what your getting into, before you decide to get into it.
I do have the skills to do this, because I have all my ASE certifications.
When I am looking at a job that I will do, my favorite question to ask is "How many offensive words will I be shouting over the course of this task?"
I know the VR6 is an unusual engine, but I don't know if that means it is a difficult engine to work with.
cool...ASE certs, that's a huge accomplishment!! congrats.
I don't have any certs for mechanics, but love to do mechanic work for family and friends on the side. I wish I would have went to school for mechanics (not sure what they call it now) and not for what my current profession is.
The VR6 should be a piece of cake for you to rebuild, given you training. I too would be using a few choice words while working on that engine Lol
good luck, and keep us updated on when you start this project.
what do you normally work on all types of engines?
did you look at any pics I put up of the build I'm working on?
I would like your input on anything you may see that I may not have done correctly. I appreciate it
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
what do you normally work on all types of engines?
I have medical problems, that is why I am not working. I did a little bit of everything, but I never rebuilt an engine. If a car came in with a dead engine, it would get a low mileage junkyard engine swapped in.
As for the project vehicle, I don't have one yet. I am waiting for a legal settlement, and once I get it, I will search for the RV I like. I might not even end up rebuilding a VR6, because I may end up with one in excellent condition.
sorry to here about your medical problems. I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes. Good luck on your settlement, hope it all works out for you
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
what do you normally work on all types of engines?
I have medical problems, that is why I am not working. I did a little bit of everything, but I never rebuilt an engine. If a car came in with a dead engine, it would get a low mileage junkyard engine swapped in.
As for the project vehicle, I don't have one yet. I am waiting for a legal settlement, and once I get it, I will search for the RV I like. I might not even end up rebuilding a VR6, because I may end up with one in excellent condition.
sorry to here about your medical problems. I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes. Good luck on your settlement, hope it all works out for you
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
sorry to here about your medical problems. I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes. Good luck on your settlement, hope it all works out for you
I am afraid those problems are permanent, but it doesn't get me down too much. Working in the car business meant working with some very dishonest people.
Anyway, you asked for advice on that engine. When you take the cylinder head to a machinist, they almost always modify the head to use modern valve seals. The valve seals last longer that way. That is all the advice I have so far.
sorry to here about your medical problems. I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes. Good luck on your settlement, hope it all works out for you
I am afraid those problems are permanent, but it doesn't get me down too much. Working in the car business meant working with some very dishonest people.
Anyway, you asked for advice on that engine. When you take the cylinder head to a machinist, they almost always modify the head to use modern valve seals. The valve seals last longer that way. That is all the advice I have so far.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
sorry to here about your medical problems. I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes. Good luck on your settlement, hope it all works out for you
I am afraid those problems are permanent, but it doesn't get me down too much. Working in the car business meant working with some very dishonest people.
Anyway, you asked for advice on that engine. When you take the cylinder head to a machinist, they almost always modify the head to use modern valve seals. The valve seals last longer that way. That is all the advice I have so far.
thank you for taking the time to look at them. I appreciate it
Originally Posted By: buckz6319
sorry to here about your medical problems. I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes. Good luck on your settlement, hope it all works out for you
I am afraid those problems are permanent, but it doesn't get me down too much. Working in the car business meant working with some very dishonest people.
Anyway, you asked for advice on that engine. When you take the cylinder head to a machinist, they almost always modify the head to use modern valve seals. The valve seals last longer that way. That is all the advice I have so far.
thank you for taking the time to look at them. I appreciate it
The last engine we rebuilt at the shop that I had a hand in was a TBI 350 in a '90 GMC Sierra. If I'm not mistaken, we put it back together with .030 over pistons and a very mild Comp cam. Also installed some Flowtech headers and a throttle body spacer. Had quite a bit of trouble getting the headers to seal with the supplied paper gaskets, so we went with the thick aluminum crush style gaskets from Mr. Gasket. Sorry, I don't remember if they had an official title, but I remember them being thick and sealing very nicely.
Cool pics and write-up buck. Thanks for taking the time!
We've had a few boats in the family over the years and I'd have to say the 3.0L Merc have been the best in terms of reliability, power and fuel economy. Never pulled one apart, that's for sure.
The one 4cyl merc that has always intrigued me and I've never seen one is the 3.7L 4cyl "big block". That's a bad-[censored] 4 banger.
We've had a few boats in the family over the years and I'd have to say the 3.0L Merc have been the best in terms of reliability, power and fuel economy. Never pulled one apart, that's for sure.
The one 4cyl merc that has always intrigued me and I've never seen one is the 3.7L 4cyl "big block". That's a bad-[censored] 4 banger.
Originally Posted By: Red91
The last engine we rebuilt at the shop that I had a hand in was a TBI 350 in a '90 GMC Sierra. If I'm not mistaken, we put it back together with .030 over pistons and a very mild Comp cam. Also installed some Flowtech headers and a throttle body spacer. Had quite a bit of trouble getting the headers to seal with the supplied paper gaskets, so we went with the thick aluminum crush style gaskets from Mr. Gasket. Sorry, I don't remember if they had an official title, but I remember them being thick and sealing very nicely.
cool...I bet it sounded real good! I too had some trouble with the paper header gaskets, years ago, did the same as you did, and never had a problem
The last engine we rebuilt at the shop that I had a hand in was a TBI 350 in a '90 GMC Sierra. If I'm not mistaken, we put it back together with .030 over pistons and a very mild Comp cam. Also installed some Flowtech headers and a throttle body spacer. Had quite a bit of trouble getting the headers to seal with the supplied paper gaskets, so we went with the thick aluminum crush style gaskets from Mr. Gasket. Sorry, I don't remember if they had an official title, but I remember them being thick and sealing very nicely.
cool...I bet it sounded real good! I too had some trouble with the paper header gaskets, years ago, did the same as you did, and never had a problem
Originally Posted By: JTK
Cool pics and write-up buck. Thanks for taking the time!
We've had a few boats in the family over the years and I'd have to say the 3.0L Merc have been the best in terms of reliability, power and fuel economy. Never pulled one apart, that's for sure.
The one 4cyl merc that has always intrigued me and I've never seen one is the 3.7L 4cyl "big block". That's a bad-[censored] 4 banger.
thanks! I have heard different opinions on the Mercruiser 140/3.0. I personally don't have an opinion of it yet, because this is the first stern drive for me.
I have a project boat that this is going in, and have heard the boat will be under powered, probably, but the boat originally came with this size engine.
The 3.7 is a Ford aluminum block, with 224 CID, and a cast iron head, basically it is 1/2 of a Ford 460 CID. It is one bad 4cyl, however it was plagued with problems.
Cool pics and write-up buck. Thanks for taking the time!
We've had a few boats in the family over the years and I'd have to say the 3.0L Merc have been the best in terms of reliability, power and fuel economy. Never pulled one apart, that's for sure.
The one 4cyl merc that has always intrigued me and I've never seen one is the 3.7L 4cyl "big block". That's a bad-[censored] 4 banger.
thanks! I have heard different opinions on the Mercruiser 140/3.0. I personally don't have an opinion of it yet, because this is the first stern drive for me.
I have a project boat that this is going in, and have heard the boat will be under powered, probably, but the boat originally came with this size engine.
The 3.7 is a Ford aluminum block, with 224 CID, and a cast iron head, basically it is 1/2 of a Ford 460 CID. It is one bad 4cyl, however it was plagued with problems.
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