Engine out anyway, Mods?

[Sedition]

I pulled my engine out to replace a bent connecting rod, do the timing chains and full set of gaskets. Can any one recommend any mods to perform on my engine while I got it out? either for a couple more horses or just ***** and giggles.

I was thinking may be polishing up the insides, painting the block & heads ect...

 

[windsors03cobra]

Probably very little performance support for that slug and any you can find will likely very expensive. As you know it's no Ford V8 which probably has the most aftermarket you could possibly have.

Good luck.

 

[2000StreetRod]

rear main seal

If your rear main seal is leaking this would be a good time to replace it.

 

[deweyville65]

I pulled my engine out to replace a bent connecting rod, do the timing chains and full set of gaskets. Can any one recommend any mods to perform on my engine while I got it out? either for a couple more horses or just ***** and giggles.

I was thinking may be polishing up the insides, painting the block & heads ect...

All engines can benefit from port matching the heads. Extremely easy to do. I have done a couple small block Chevys and a 302 Ford, using only a carbide burr in an electric drill. If you want to go to the work and expense, do a three angle valve and seat grind.

 

[Sedition]

I will definately be portmatching and pollishing the heads to a mirror finish. It's a shame the intake manifolds are made of plastic and can't really be polished. I will scrub them clean however as they are a little oily inside.

StreetRod - Your SOHC V6 engine removal proceedures are a very handy tool indeed. If it wasn't for them I would still be figuring out how to remove the engine wiring harness cover from the firewall.

I will inspect the rear seal closely, at the moment it doesn't appear to be leaking any oil. Although I have not removed the flex plate yet. that will be tonights job when I transfer the block from engine crane to engine stand.

How does engine paint withstand the test of time?

 

[FIND]

I'd just replace the rear main seal anyway. Engine paint, like any other paint will last longer with good prep and careful application. I got an old ranger back in 01 that I replaced the motor in. I painted it when i put it in and later sold it to a friend. It is still being used as a beater farm truck, and last I saw, the engine was still mostly blue.

 

[Sedition]

Holy Hell!

This is a picture of the bent connecting rod I just pulled out of the block, it was just missing the sides of the crankshaft counterweights. The underside of the piston was rubbing on the top of it's counter weight. When I examined the damage on the underside of the piston closely, it appears that it had a chunk of metal knocked from it first and then it has been rubbing lightly on the counterweight for 10,000 miles after the connecting rod bent. This was not noticable in the operation of the engine.

This piston must be changed now. Do you guys think I should change all of the pistons and rings?

How the hell do I get the connecting rod out of the bottom of the piston?

You can see the shiney part of the counter weight where it was rubbing on the bottom of the piston. The counter weight isn't damaged it has just been polished by the piston over the last 10,000 miles.

 

[kustomiser]

if i had the money i would do a complete rebuild if you are going to keep it. i would check on a master rebuild kit should come with everything except the block and heads. there pricey but it is all there

 

[Sedition]

I'm definately going to keep it. It's the perfect vehicle for me. I'm not letting this one go, we have been through too much.

 

[FIND]

Ouch. That is a nasty one. Take that crankshaft to a machinist and have it checked for balance. Didn't gouge the cylinder did it? How do you get the con-rod out? is the wrist pin not coming out of the piston? You have to press them out. I'd personally just do a full rebuild, just because it is a good time to do so. You have the engine pulled and apart anyway.

You could just replace the damaged components, but idk.

 

[Sedition]

Haha Yes! My parts have arrived in Australia I should have them sometime on Monday. I can't wait till I get my Explorer back together. I'm aiming to have it in it's "test phase" by next weekend. It sure beats the hell out of driving my wifes Sportage around.