Engine back...

[AshM]

Picked this lump up at the weekend. Delighted.

Long Easter weekend to drop it back in. Happy days.

[AshM]

Just a further thought.

I am not, in any way, interested in a concours car but having spent so much time and money on my engine bay it would be nice to have some of the main factory-fitted decals added.

Is there a data source for what decal goes where on a late S2 engine?

Thanks
Ash

[H7OB]

Looks stunning! There are few things prettier than a fresh XK motor.
Of course its a double high because youve still to hear her fire up!

[malcolm]

Wow!

[MarkRado]

Perfect! Now that is what I call an Easter present
Congrats!

[ChrisC]

Who doesn't love a nice new engine :)

[cactusman]

It is a thing of beauty. Are we allowed to know who did the rebuild?

[AshM]

Of course. It was CBR Classic Restorations based in Cheslyn Hay, West Midlands.

I got to know Andy (Waters), the proprietor, at the E Type Club round Britain event last year. He was the back up mechanic. Knowledgeable and down-to-earth. My sort of guy so he got the job.

The engine was in a much bigger mess than I realised so it was a timely rebuild. It was originally booked in due to a major oil leak at the infamous crank seal but on investigation the water channels were completely clogged and there was a crack in the block that required stitch welding. Head gasket was failing to. So the engine was on its way towards a catastrophic failure I reckon.

Interesting though. We did 1,000 miles on the coastal tour and the car never missed a beat. Performant, temperature always steady and lovely to drive. They are very forgiving engines.

Some pics...














Cheers
Ash

[AshM]

Back in where it belongs whilst most of you were clearly enjoying a day with Angus!

Hopefully next time...

[cactusman]

Marvellous don't forget to fill with oil If not already done!

[Jeremy]

Very nice work Ash! How did you put it in? Over the top I assume, or did you take the inlet manifold off?

[Series1 Stu]

Judging by the strategically placed bubble wrap (or whatever it's called), I would say it went in from above.

Very nice with lots of shiny new stuff to set it off.

Great work.

Regards

[JerryL770]

For someone not interested in a concours car, there's an awful lot of shiny stuff there !!

Loverly

[AshM]

Thanks for all of the kind coments.

Yes - I do like a clean engine bay Jerry but it will still gets lots of miles too.

Stu - it was a recommendation from Jeremy and it is brilliant. 4mm Cellaire plus green 3M masking tape. I cover my workbenches with it too.

Jeremy, I adopt a bit of a hybrid method of engine fitting. With no picture or bonnet frame on the front I position the engine on a scissor lift; an inch higher than the mounts but basically in position.

It takes all of the hassle out of the minimal space available between picture frame and bulkhead.

Then fit front frames, move support of car to under the lower wishbones and lower the engine onto its mounts.

I find it the easiest, minimises damage risk and makes getting the flywheel housing over those damn torsion bar yoke brackets.

A few weeks of build up and we shall see how she runs.

Unfortunately I have to jet off on holiday for ten days soon which is a hassle (obviously a confidential forum comment only!).

Cheers all

Ash

[Jeremy]

On the bubble wrap point, I'd just repeat what the guys at TT (now Concours Refinishing) told me - don't get it anywhere near your car. Their theory was that the bubbles contain some kind of corrosive gas that leaches out. I haven't researched it, but from bitter experience they assured me it will do evil things to your paintwork. I think other members will concur.

[Series1 Stu]

I'm not sure about the corrosive gas suggestion, I'm pretty sure that bubble wrap is just filled with dry air. However, it is very abrasive and will damage your paintwork by attrition.

If we pack anything newly painted for shipment, we always make sure there's a good layer of tissue etc. On it before the bubble wrap goes in.

I knew it was called Cellaire, I'd just momentarily forgotten. Damn this aging process!

[politeperson]

Nothing like telling him 10 minutes after he has got on a plane to the other side of the world!