The Project Goes Injected.

[rosco]

Hmmmmm..... and you'd cleared all the hurdles - just running free down the main straight... but your race is not run, Richard - one door closes, another opens.

I had a similar discussion with a chap about a caravan - it was stolen when he went to change the rego over - the Police apparently have two lists, the van had been cleared on one of them, but they failed to clear the second list - and, at the time the beinning of welding chassis numbers onto vans was occuring.
Apparently, one van manufacturer didn't give a hoot about what numbers were welded - and two vans got the same number - this was before any checks were made by chassis number.

My suggestion would be to make contact with the vehicles registrar - state your case... chances are that an insurance claim was made and the owner paid out - I would then expect it be a case of having to run through the insurance company - as it would probalby be "their" property..

If this is the case - I'm pretty confident you might be able to throw some coupons thier way - let them imagine a figure after you tell them you only want the block for parts..... absolutley no mention of any work you have done.... the sharks will begin to circle...

It has to get cleared somehow....

And, if all this is not possible and you can't register that engine - it's still not over.... yes, a blasted nuisance and a fair bit of work for you - but the alternative would be to find a black block which is not on the stolen list......

That's all I can offer at present... except my sympathy and frustration for you....

frats,
Rosco

[Devilrod]

Noooooooooo! That's a big kick in the nuts. But one you can get up from. I'm with Rosco in that I think if the police clear it it should be all systems go. After all I'd be pretty confident the previous legitimate owner was paid out and most likely would not care what happened after he's received his insurance money especially 8 years ago. Hopefully the insurance company feels the same.

[Blacky]

I had the exact same thing happen to me about 10 years ago with a 308 in a HX 1 tonner I did a ground up rebuild on. Bought the motor second hand , it was a reco motor from a well known rebuilder in Perth , we gave it a freshen up , took it up for licencing , next thing its on a tilt tray on its way to the police impound yard so I know what you are feeling right now.

Turned out the motor was out of a VB/H Commondore and had been stolen years before - it was an insurance payout so I approached the RAC who now owned the motor - I said to them "I have a block , crank and rods that you own , I have receipts for all the bearings,cam , heads , carb and manifold , etc and would like to buy the block crank and rods from you " They sent me a letter a week or so later stating they didnt want the bits back and it was OK with them that I retained ownership

It was pretty stressful but a good result at the end of the day.

[rosco]

Yes, Blacky - this would come up time and time again.....early Commodores - don't know why they ever fitted door and ignition/steering locks to them.... you just pick (excuse pun) another one if your's isn't where you left it......

I had a little red Meteor... it had been stolen many times - but the doors, locks and windows were never damaged - turned out, you could open the drivers door lock with a 5c piece...... not after I found out! Apparently, such was the case for many of these GB Meteors...... don't get caught, folk....

And for a bit of folly, hope no-one owns a Morris Marina - 20 years ago in Oz - there weren't any records of one ever having been stolen...... not because they were any more secure than other vehicles - you work it out.......

Richard - this will sort itself out, with your guidance.... hardest part is going to be locating the insurance company... and they most certainly would have records if there was any payout - trust me......

Second option, I thought of - go chase up a wrecker (sorry, part recycler) ... surely, they must end up with engines which are struck off... and I can't see them letting an engine in good nick go for scrap..... they have tightened things up a bit in the last 20 years.... but it won't cost you anything to ask... there are at least two very close to where you are... never know, might pick up something else whilst you're there.... make a day out of it....

Ummmm, and I am very hesitant to suggest this, but will - on the belief you will see merriment in it.....

Richard! - that sure is one "hot" motor you have put into the FB...... sorry, couldn't resist...... apps,

frats,
Rosco

[Bluehaze]

Thanks fellas.
It is indeed a big kick in the nuts. Especially since the motor runs so well.
I think my biggest source of anxiety is the waiting. Right now I've kept it with the local plod. They say they'll get back to me when they find out the story. Trouble is, how long should it take to track down the original owner and/or the insurance company?
Since I re-built the motor, they are MY pistons, bearings, lifters, valves, camshaft and welch plugs, but all the effort doing the block, crank and head. Perhaps a 2 grand mistake.

[rosco]

Nah, Richard - you'll get it sorted.... but you are probably correct - it'll just be a wait..... the AHD is a long way off - you've got heaps of time......

And, now Esme gets a bit more attention, perhaps.... you still have the envy of many, you have an EK to run about in......

My guess is that you have probably saved the bacon of many a person amongst us who will be purchasing a second hand motor down the road.....

frats,
Rosco

[Bluehaze]

Thank you. You are right Ross. I do still have the EK.
I also draw comfort from the fact I have hopefully prevented others from making the same mistake.
Meanwhile, I have decided that as waiting for Victoria's finest to sort this out is giving me ulcers- I'm not good at waiting. I'll execute plan B.
Buy another 202 (running) from any kind soul who will Sell me one.
CHECK THE $@&! BLOCK NUMBER THIS TIME!!
Give it a basic once-over. (rings and hone)
Fit my EH sump and pickup
Fit my head, runners rail, injectors, etc.
Get it running.
New RWC
Register with that motor.
My engineer says he will issue a new certificate once I do another noise test. He's a good scout.
meanwhile, I'll sit the hot motor (yes Ross, I do appreciate your humor, despite my grief) to one side. If I can keep it, great! I'll have a spare.
If not, then I hand it back ( the block, that is).
How's that sound?
Ps I'll post in wanted, but if anyone can help out a brother, you will have my deepest gratitude.

[WayneXG95]

Well lesson here for all of us, I'm getting my numbers checked next week..

[Bluehaze]

Well so far, I have spoken to three cops, and all of whom are vague at best as to where things go and how long it takes. One was surprised the car had not been impounded! He also reckons the insurance company will want the motor back to be auctioned.
Well no ones going to take my FB away due to some motor that got pinched 8 years ago.
Too late,
Radiator, bonnet, pipes, wires and injectors are all off.

The motor comes out tomorrow.
I can't sit and wait for what could be months for something to happen (or not happen at all). so I've decided to take control of things.

[EKjimmy]

Mate that really sucks. The actions of one lowly parasite 10 years ago has potentially blown $2000 for you.
I hope they don't want the block back for your sake - I can't see why they would go to the trouble of getting it back really - it'd be worth stuff all to them.
One thing is for sure, your setback will make everyone on here think twice about their engines, so hopefully it won't happen to anyone else for a while.
Good luck

[rosco]

Richard,
I am comforted by your keen-ness to resolve the dilema..... and haven't taken you bat and ball and gone home on the matter...

I might just have suggested, as Tim has - to give the plods a couple of weeks to get some specifics... but, no matter - you are undoubtedly well on your way to transplant... we'll be very interested to learn just how long it takes for the information to surface..

I don't beleive the three who you contacted have given you accurate information - FB's were never registered with an OEM black motor... and the last known vehicle that engine was fitted to, I expect - would not have been an FB.... however, you are probably wise to remove it - the bloody mindedness of insurance companies etc. etc. etc....

Yes, indeed - it is the block - and only the block.... sadly, that chunk of the engine is the only bit which everything else has to be removed from - and the only bit which demands everything comes off before it comes out.. guess we'll be reading up tonight - and a pix of the empty engine bay..

I have a 186 here - but that is probably of no use to you... it was running very sweetly when removed from a HQ three years ago - meaning of course that it wasn't the original engine. I don't believe it is suitable for your project - but it would get you out of trouble for the short term.... the rigormoral of having to pull it out again and changing numbers etc would probalby not be worth the effort - but you may use it if need be.... it is my "back-up" engine... with this blasted "rattling" still occuring with mine under load - which no-one has been able to find... even a complete block strip out and re-assemble did not identify it... and yes, we did the piston/kero/compressed air trick....

So, I expect by the time you read this - you'll have the offending motor out and will be patiently sitting by the phone.....

I might try and drop around sometime today.... nothing like a bit of member support to re-focus a wounded battler...

frats,
Rosco

[ekdave1962]

dam i just gave a couple of 202 blocks ..
yeah id strip it down just incase they turn up to collect it atleast u will have the complaint for a re build .. may you can ask the cops who owns and sort the matter your self my 1st car a hd had a stolen motor in it had to buy motor of them for 150 ,, more that the car was worth ,, lol

[rosco]

Went over to console Richard Saturday - by golly, he's a quick worker - watched him pull the cam out - that's all that was left.....

Plans are in motion... plus a back-up call from Trev whilst I was there...

Car is one heck of a great job done...... I'd be wanting to get some k's on it too...... bugger, so close - lesson for all of us!

frats,
Rosco

[Bluehaze]

That's it. The motor is out and the block is sitting awaiting a decision. If the insurance company wants it, they can come and collect it.
Getting a nice 186 instead, set for the EFI gear. Plan to have her up and running by the end of the week.

[Devilrod]

Great news, be interested to see what difference the 186 makes compared to the 202. I've always found the 186 to be a better smoother engine.