Can a Kent engine become tired??????

Walshy · 12 Oct 2003, 22:26 (Ref:748824)

Following years of rebuilds, can anyone tell me if a standard crossflow block can become tired.

I know that the engines are rebuilt to the highest standards etc, but surely they still have a shelf life.

Anyone that knows me will know that I have been having a few problems of late and I just wanted to ask the question. I am not blaming anyone or having a go at anyone, but after a rebuild, it still isn't right. Could it be better to replace the block or should it be as fresh as the day it was created if done right???????

I am only asking because I don't know.

MA2 · 13 Oct 2003, 00:20 (Ref:748901)

If a block is prepared correctly from the get-go, it will pretty much last forever in FF1600 configuration. The only real problem area that I am aware of is the oil hole in the center journal - if it is not radiused right, it can crack.

Most other problems in the assembly can be traced to age or bad prep.

Jensen · 13 Oct 2003, 08:05 (Ref:749145)

Change your engine builder, tell the new one of the problems you are having and I would bet your problems would go away, it will probably cost you more money but tell the new guy to go right through the engine, no stone unturned, would probably be worth having the block xrayed too. If you feel you are getting a lack of power from the car are you sure it is engine ?, are you sure you are looking in the right place?, what about electronics, fuel delivery, diff and drivetrain? and even brakes!.

I know a chap who is great with Kent engines, building and machining, he works with all sorts of FF, works with set up and complete car essembly he may be worth a call. Email me if you want his number. jensen.motorsport@freenet.co.uk

Just a thought.

Good luck.

Jensen.

jadlamracing · 13 Oct 2003, 09:35 (Ref:749229)

There are only 2 engine builders who are nominated by Ford to build FF1600 engines in Uk,all the others buy the parts from them.Neil Bold 01204 571636 & Tony Broster NES 01769 550381.

Walshy · 13 Oct 2003, 18:56 (Ref:750068)

Thanks for that everyone. Following Jensen's comments, the engine was wired up to a state of the art tuning machine which showed no fault on the electrical side of things. There was certainly no problem with the brakes as I had stripped the car completely bare and built it back up. It is the first car I have seen that if you put it on a piece of flat tarmac and give it a slight push, it will roll completely freely until you stop it. That's the truth. Fuel flow is fine and the drive train spot on. The problem was a knock at the bottom end of the engine. Following a rebuild, the first time back at the circuit for a test and the knock re-appeared. The car had only done 4 laps at 5000rpm (bedding in). It might just be one of those where something was missed. Who knows, but I was just asking the question if they could get tired.....

kartingdad · 14 Oct 2003, 11:11 (Ref:750718)

Ours is bloody well exhausted- hole in the block. 12 races old, 2 careful drivers.

kartingdad · 14 Oct 2003, 11:18 (Ref:750730)

Ours is bloody well exhausted- hole in the block. 12 races old, 2 careful drivers.

Why do you think its not fast?

Have your results dropped off?

Who built the engine?

We got over 112 bhp from Neil Bold on our in April. (Mind you, its got zero now).

Walshy · 14 Oct 2003, 20:43 (Ref:751389)

It's not a case of results dropping off as I haven't raced for a few years. Since starting back this year, the engine has had a few problems. I think it is just one of those things, but I was just asking the question. It had just been re-built and after four running-in laps at 5000rpm, the oil pressure died and it started to knock!!!!!!!

**Tim Falce** · 14 Oct 2003, 20:50 (Ref:751399)

It sounds more like crankshaft or bearing trouble or the block my have warped and need line boring. Also the oil pump may be dodgy.

kartingdad · 14 Oct 2003, 22:42 (Ref:751482)

If I were you, I'd take the engine out and let someone like Neil Bold check it out. I know its a load of mider, but if its started to knock its seconds away from a big bang, which means you will still have to take the engine out, but it will be in component form!

Walshy · 14 Oct 2003, 23:15 (Ref:751515)

Someone suggested the oil pump, but there doesn't seem to be much trouble with the oil flow. The engine was freshly rebuilt, so unless something was missed, I don't know what it could be..........

JR Ewing · 15 Oct 2003, 07:03 (Ref:751755)

take it out and get an expert to look at it. not cheap but likely cheaper than not doing so.

**Tim Falce** · 15 Oct 2003, 11:21 (Ref:751997)

Take it to someone who knows Ford engines and get it checked out. It is impossible to do a diagnosis over the internet.

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