I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: engine rebuild
Hi, my MX5 oil consumption has now got really bad and am thinking of a rebuild, but it’s now probably more than I can take on on my own. Has anyone got any recommendations for repair shops in my area (Plymouth/Exeter, Devon) or someone that would be prepared to help on a paid basis? I have rebuilt several engines in the past, but hands/fingers are not so nimble these days.
TIA, Jeff.
I loved my time rebuilding motorbike engines but given the number of MX engines available from cars being broken for rust issues I would look for a straight replacement on cost basis alone.
Hi, I had an engine rebuilt recently. They were registered with the federation of engine re-manufacturers. You can find you can find someone near to you by typing your address. Directory – FER
Thanks Beryl, I have thought of that, but concerned I may end up in the same position, I understand oil consumption is quite a common thing with the 1.8 engine.
Thanks Jacob_Rees, was that mainly for oil consumption? can I ask how much that cost?
1.8 is the same block as 2.0 but with smaller bore. (stroke is the same on both).
Can someone explain why the 1.8 is perceived as “weaker” or more likely to fail.
I’d love to know if this is actually true, or merely a myth??
Thanks
The 1.8 pistons don’t have enough drain holes in the piston for the oil to pass. The two holes that it does have get clogged up and no oil can pass. The engine then burns oil, people sometimes don’t notice this and then with low oil level the bearings go.
Thanks for info.
As a (mere) 1.8 NC owner, I had heard the concerns about possible engine problems, but gained some solice from the following :
My 2010 1.8, bought with 18 miles on the clock in December 2010, has just over 60,000 miles now, and has an oil change every 12 months.
Absolutely no issues, but then it hasn’t exactly been hammered.
Unfortunately I wouldn’t take much solice from that. My friends 1.8 was using about a litre of oil in a 3 hour drive and he isn’t alone. I rebuilt it, modified the pistons and it has done 3000 miles with no oil usage.
Hi, mine is a na that had done 230000km but barely used any oil and had good compression. But I have turbocharged it and wanted to have forged pistons and rods. also have it thoroughly cleaned internally so that all the oil passages were clear. So cost wise it was not really comparable to just a head skim and new piston rings.
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Was the piston mods adding extra oil holes?
Having slightly overfilled mine at service I was hoping mine would burn through the access but despite 2k miles it remains stubbornly overfilled
I think I have fixed it. Yes added two further holes, I discussed it with a professional engine building friend and he said two extra should be fine. A spirited Sunday drive might fix it
Well just recently started my rebuild engine and I felted great. But to rebuild an engine it’s around 1k just to start with. So if you can get replacement cheaper than that I would suggest that. On top of all you would save a lot of time unless you in to that thrill building it all your self.
The OP isn’t restricted to the I.8. He could use a 2.0 a couple years younger and get all goodness of the forged components too. Much as I’d love to rebuild an engine again, I do think a replacement engine with good providence is the way to go.
Buying another car is obviously an option but means a total loss on your original unless you have the space and patience to break it.
The 2L has variable valve timing, yes it can be done, but you need to use the 2L ECU, then there are immobiliser issues, extra wiring. I do not recommend buying a “known” engine, my friend did this and the second engine did the same and that’s why we rebuild the first.
It’s interesting that just a couple more drain holes effects some but not all 1.8 engines. Any other factors involved you know of or the % of cars affected? Mine is fine but is only 52k for example.
Heads up for anyone that hasn’t subscribed to CompletelyDriven Ytube channel you need to get along there. Real world stuff for those of us with just axle stands!
As you say no easy solution for what is everyone’s nightmare.
I remember a quote about Ferrari from the factory saying they should be taken to the rev limit at least once a month for long-term engine health.
Recently came across the same sort of thing for my V60 D4 Volvo!
The number of peeps creeping around hoping their car will last their lifetime is not only frustrating me but maybe completely wrong.
