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engine teardown averted thanks to help on here, "phew"

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by bensalf, Apr 29, 2019.

  1. bensalf

    bensalf Well-Known Member

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    hi all,
    so I decided to rebuild a spare engine I had , cos my original , (though running) had very low compression.
    rebuilt the spare, after stripping down to crankcases, checked all internals with a torch, checking for play and wear on the bottom half ,also starter clutch and primary drive.
    all seemed very good , - rebuilt top half with all new gaskets and seals. new cam chain, and re-did valve shims.
    changed the engine before an upcoming week long trip.
    started and all was great 140 -150psi compression on all four .
    had a run out (about 100 miles)all was great, with much more power than the other engine.
    had a second run out ,and the engine developed a top end rattle , really loud .
    immediately suspected cam chain or shim rattle
    adjusted cam chain, still same.
    decided to recheck shims, which were all good except no/3 exhaust ,which was just outside top limit
    so did a 40mile round trip for a larger shim, (on my scooter) replaced shim, rattle still same.
    also developed an oil leak on valve cover, so spent half a day cleaning up and refitting same .
    oil leak cured but rattle remained
    so had a closer look around , and searched for possible solutions here with a view to possibly swopping engine
    back, or stripping head off.
    then found a posting about loose header pipes causing a rattle very similar to shim rattle.
    lo and behold ,that was the cause, no/3 header was less than finger tight other 3 were all slack.
    caused by exhaust gaskets crushing and cooling, and slackening flange nuts.
    so thanks to an old post on here, emergency averted
    It just shows a quick search , can just point you in the correct direction

    thanks everyone
    stu
     
  2. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    ..on the other hand you'd have noticed them when removing the exhaust to lift out the engine - wouldn't you?:cool:
     
    Franz likes this.
  3. bensalf

    bensalf Well-Known Member

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    ..on the other hand you'd have noticed them when removing the exhaust to lift out the engine - wouldn't you?:cool:
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    yeh, that's true, :rolleyes:
    stu
     

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