engine rebuild

[Englandsho]

I currently have my 1992 SHO in England (I'm with the military) and may be facing an engine rebuild with no British Ford mechanics willing to touch the car. I have access to general mechanic help at the base auto hobby shop, and tech info is available via the hobby shop's "Mitchell on Demand" computer system. My situation is that the engine sounds like a garbage disposal and the suggested minimum problem is loose bearings. I can use any helpful hints or guidance on how to proceed. The hobby shop can support just about any work, including pulling the engine and rebuilding it. Any input will be welcome.

 

[Blast7]

You can buy some new bearings from Napa if you want to go that route. An alternative to rebuilding your current motor is to find a low mileage junkyard motor. This will be cheaper and if you want to go the extra step then buy a 3.2 because it will bolt up to the manual tranny. You do have to take some items off of the 3.0 and put them on the 3.2.

 

[projectSHO89]

Blast7,

If you noticed, he's OVERSEAS. Not very many junkyards to choose from....

Shipping costs of an engine from the states is cost prohibitive. Parts orders would probably take 1-3 weeks via the APO system. Been there, done that.

EnglandSHO,

Good luck, man! I remember the days and evenings I spent in the Auto Hobby Shop when I was in Germany a little over 20 years ago. Back then, the bay cost was 25 cents per hour and all the tools needed were provided. Old retired mechanics were hired as "instructors" whose job is was to look over your shoulder on request and coach you through whatever job you were working on. Good thing that experience was there!

Steve
89

 

[Thomas]

I would try the connecting rod bearings as a first step. The parts are inexpensive and you don't have to remove the engine to do it. These engines have a strong bottom end so the main bearings may still be serviceable.

 

[Markus]

Did you have to fit yellow/amber rear turn signals to be able to drive your car in the UK?

 

[Englandsho]

Englandsho:

Markus:
Did you have to fit yellow/amber rear turn signals to be able to drive your car in the UK?

All the regular rear lights were ok , but I did have to have a new bulb put in with a switch attached to my dash that allows for brighter rear running lights during fog.

 

[1slickRED89]

that is to bad your car isn't running to hot. maybe these tips will help. i'm not sure where your at in the troubleshooting so you might want to check some stuff out.

check for any deposits in your motor oil. and what grade oil do you use?. see if the oil light come on at idle. does the sound change with the clutch pushed in? most importantly make sure all your belt drivin' assories are in top shape, namely the water pump. maybe a quick check with a mechanic's stethtoscope would help troubleshoot. engine work is your last resort, Corey

 

[Englandsho]

Thomas:
I would try the connecting rod bearings as a first step. The parts are inexpensive and you don't have to remove the engine to do it. These engines have a strong bottom end so the main bearings may still be serviceable.

Thanks Thomas
Sounds like good starting advice. Hope to get into the project early this week. Keeping my fingers crossed.