Engine Rebuild Problems

[intaginize]

I posted this on DSM I thought I would post it here to see what you guys thought.
I did this after I couldent get my brand new rebuilt engine to run and this is what I found. This was my compression before i took it apart
#4 #3 #2 #1
160 155 155 0

> > Well I took the head of and I really coulden't tell
> > > if there was any bent valves in the Nu1 cylinder where
> > > I had 0 compression there was no scratches on either
> > > the valves or the piston. BUT my block does not look
> > > good, it looks like Western screwed up on the boring
> > > and honing. I had Norm Schilling drop by yesterday and
> > > he took a look at it. The Nu1 Cylinder is almost
> > > completely locked up and there are scuff marks
> > > everywhere on the cylinder walls and the honing is
> > > completely gone. Same with 2 and 3 I can literally
> > > feel ridges with my finger nail in the number 2
> > > cylinder. I don't know how I was getting a 155psi in
> > > that cylinder. But me and Norm agree that either the
> > > Honing wasn't done correctly or the pistons are
> > > different sizes. Either way it wasn't my fault Western
> > > should of noticed that the clearances were of when
> > > they assembled the engine. So im going to talk to them
> > > today to see what there going to do about it. I hope
> > > they make it right or im going to be filing a lawsuit.
> > > It looks like im going to need a whole new 6bolt
> > > short-block since this one has been bored .040 over
> > > already. I might even need 1 or 2 new pistons
> > > depending upon the damage on the side skirts. Im
> > > really upset I put over 3k into this motor and now im
> > > going to have to start all over because of some bad
> > > machining. I'll let everyone know what Terry at
> > > Western says, I hope they will stand behind there work
> > > and pay for everything that was done wrong

Western says they want me to bring the engine in so they can spec the cylinder walls with a micrometer. If they find out the clearances were set wrong they will replace everything. If not they wont replace anything. I was thinking about taking it to another shop to see what they thought before bringing it back to Western Engine.

[Hal]

I assume Western installed the pistons? If they did:

I would take it back to Western before letting someone else look at it.

If Western makes good on it, you will have wasted the effort of hauling to some other place.

If Western doesn't make good on it, then you can take it some where else for a second opinion.

To date, Terry has been very good about resolving issues.

If *you* put the pistons in, then I would say it was YOUR responsibility to double check clearances before putting it back together.

Hal

[intaginize]

Western put together the whole assy including all machining and the oil pump and the front case, they also balanced the whole assy. Terry seems like a good guy so hopefully he will back up his engine work. Is there any other way my pistons could of locked up like this, other then the clearances being off.

[-EpicEVO-]

We'll i am looking to get my block and head back from terry today also, he just built my head and block hopefully there won't be any problems. He said it should be done today, so i as well just dropped 3g's into my motor, and hopefully western does in fact stand by the warrenty!!

MARK

[intaginize]

Just check the clearances when you get it back. Make sure there is at least a 1/16" of play between the outside of the piston and the cylinder wall. If there isn't then you probably have some clearance issues. I dont mean to crap on Terry but I think this is unacceptable and I dont see how it could be my fault.

[Hal]

uh... 1/16th is WAY to loose.

Specs are usually .003 (or there abouts) for piston to sidewall clearance.

[-EpicEVO-]

So what should i check when i get it back??

[intaginize]

My bad im no expert so about 1/32" of play between the outside piston and the cylinder wall?

[intaginize]

Whoever is calling Terry and telling him im giving him a bad rep, PLEASE STOP. Im not claiming this was completely Western Engine's fault, so lets not jump the gun here people. Im going to let him inspect the block and were going to take it from there. The head checked out ok there was nothing wrong with it besides a couple sticky lifters(which is common). Terry is a good guy and I would hate to ruin his buissness and from what he is telling me, im making it out like I am trying to ruin his buissness. So until I get the block checked out by them, lets not make any accusations. Thanks guys

[Hal]

WTF is bitching at Western?

God damn it people, butt out until the dust settles!

Hal

[XakEp]

Whoever is bitching at terry stop it. I have NEVER, EVER heard ANYTHING bad about them, and I've met the guy, hes nice.

People DO make mistakes, and the fact that hes willing to look at the engine tells alot about the guy and his ethics.