fbekholden.com

Ahh, you mean re-calibrate the sender Greg...
Shouldn’t have let it happen. Time pressures got the better of me.

Motor sounded bit like a threshing machine on the way home. Yet to check the oil but noticed a lot of smoke on overrun down old willunga hill and immediately after on half throttle. Short motor overhaul very much in order I think. I’m thinking to get my 179 in there before any long trip. Then autopsy the 186.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

Ahhh - there's nothing like the smell of a freshly stripped-down engine.
Takes dollars to put them back together though; the question is how many.

Rob

Tried bending wire but no go. Fortunately I had a spare, out of the wagon tank that was on the Ute when I got it. The float looked much better as well. Now reading correctly.

FB ute driver, EK van project

Finally got spare keys cut on the way to our secret Moana cruise this morning. It took considerable perserverence to get the key to work at first. The blanks aren't quite right, the original key is worn and the job is not overly accurate.

FB ute driver, EK van project

Hi Clay.

Many years ago I had the same issue with the replacement keys for my old girl. What I found is the replacement key wouldn't go far enough into the barrel (I think it was more so the door). What I found was the elongated groove which runs length ways was not as long on the replacement as the original. I took to it with a dremel to increase the length and this fixed it for me as the key went into the barrel further.

It might be something to compare with your keys.

Cheers Rod

Thanks Rod yes the grooves are the problem. Too short as well as slightly different profile. None the less locks and key are now talking to each other in a fashion.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

After yesterdays run and some discussion with Roger and others I decided to see if I could bring and end to further speculation on the 186. So popped off the head for a look see this morning. Pretty tight accessing the rear most head and manifold bolts with the red but I got on ok.

The bores actually look pretty good to me, and should get away with a hone. Barely any ridge at the tops. However there is a noticeable rocking achievable with most of the slugs at tdc.

At this stage I am unsure whether the pistons could be reused. Speculating it is standard bore and journals at this stage but micrometer is currently out to lunch.

I guess the rock might account for a good deal of the noise I was hearing, resulting in piston slap?

FB ute driver, EK van project

Next question do I trust myself to make a valid assessment and rebuild, or send short motor to local reputable builder. Sock pistons seem to be $200 to $300 so not too bad.

FB ute driver, EK van project

Rings, bearings, seals and gaskets another $300. Think these are a neoprene rear main seal? Which currently leaks badly of course.

Last time I did one of these I just did the bearings and seals. Left the pistons in and head on as it was a recent recon with leaky rope seal (blue 202). That took me a while. I put a new cam in it as well. I want it ready for the nats. May as well put a mild cam in while it is out. There goes another $300. I have a cam here but bit more lift than I would like.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

need to measure the bores and see how much wear you have, if it needs to be bored then you really have no other option

Well I do have a 179 option but think I will just pull down to short motor and take to Lonsdale Engines. Limit my fiddling to cam and head. One way or another it’s coming out now.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

Clay,

No rest for the wicked, it seems.

How badly worn is Number 1, at the front and top of the bore? I've had to chuck out a couple of (192) blocks because number 1 wore out, and the other five were perfect. But red motor parts are a lot cheaper than their grey equivalents, it seems.

Useless Factoid of the Day: Jag XJ6 4.2s take the same piston rings as 186s.

Rob

Are there any markings on the top of the pistons re oversize ?

Looks like a high mileage unit, rebuild it new and use it as an option for your van if its not going grey at a later date.

Greg

Original pistons Greg. No 1 is hardly noticeable ridge as are the rest Rob.

Just the rocking of the pistons which is in all directions.

FB ute driver, EK van project

Clay just pull it mate and get it reconditioned including the head then you know exactly what you have and don't have to worry any more, sfae sailing from then on.
I think I've said before that 99% of cylinder wear is in the top but normally left and right depending on direction of rotation the fact you have slop in all directions well that is telling you a lot I think
Remember the walls can get thin depending on how much has to come out to get them straight again or sleeve them
Neil