carb question

[john tynan]

Unfortunately for me, gentlemen, It transpires that this is not a carb problem.....no compression on number 3 cylinder can only be bad news. So, since I don't know any genius mechanics that I can trust, Off with it's head. It's been a few years since I took a head off, but i'm sure it will come back to me. There's great vacuum, so i'm hoping it's just an exhaust valve. I should have checked compression earlier. I suppose I Wanted it to be the carbs. it would have been much easier to fix. I'm sure I will be back on here posting more questions as the work progresses.

[Huib]

Check valve clearances first

[john tynan]

already done. they were no more than .02 or .03 more than spec on either inlet or outlet. I set them at .15mm inlet and .25mm exhaust with a cold engine.
A very generous gentleman has just offered me a spare head complete with valves, things are definitely looking up. Now to source a gasket set.
Number 4 cylinder was down on compression to around 6 bar compared to 10 on numbers 1 and 2 , so there is obviously something wrong there as well

[Randy Adams]

As these things go, I cannot think of an engine more pleasurable for doing the task you are about to undertake. Nothing in the job is particularly difficult and everything looks beautiful. I used to keep a Fulvia head in the house with the cover off just for the aesthetic value. Try to get a new chain while you're at it. Watch out for the little oil nozzle down by the tensioner (if it's not already broken off).

[john tynan]

Well gents, I have some problems. After removing the head, the valves were worn, but still seating. Then I had a look at the bores. No.3 was at it's tdc, but when I wound it down.........it's badly scored on the bore. Now i have decisions to make. source a block, pistons, and overhaul the head, or look for a good engine. I'm going to clean up all the parts, box and rack them, and take a few days to think about it. I'm gutted. Looks like I'll have to spend some cash this time...I could probably get a rebore, but oversise pistons may be hard to come by. All advice and opinions appreciated.

[Huib]

That is always the question. Overhaul or buy another engine.

No one really knows how good another engine really is. On the other hand, when overhauling an engine (and usually spending a lot more money) there is still the risk of a mistake or something simply going wrong unexpectedly. If you decide for overhaul my advice is to do it completely and not cut any corners.

I have just put a complete S2/3 1.3S engine up for sale which I think to be good. For some time I had a S3 coupe up fo sale, the one called Duina. Pretty good coupe with some assembly errors after restoration (no done by me obviously).

Christel, founder of the Lancia Whiskey Club for Women (see homepage of this site, left column) bought the car as her body or rather the body of her Fulvietta had accident damage and rust damage all over. She decided to keep the complete subframe of her old Fulvia which she is now transplanting.

I have too may engines lying around already so Duina's engine is for sale. It was overhauled in 1998 and hasn't done more than 20.000 km since then

[Ed Levin]

Tough decision. It may make sense to tear down the entire thing to see if there are any other hidden issues. If that's the extent of your problems, you can probably source the oversize pistons. If there are other issues, it may actually cost less to source a complete engine.

[john tynan]

ok Huib, i'm on the hook, how much?
I would rather get an engine from a reliable source. I have been offered an engine locally, but it hasn't been run in 8 years. It would be a gamble.

[Huib]

I'll send you a mail.