Peetypug 5 Posted January 18, 2009 i've got a 1.9 alloy block engine in my garage, but i've never heard it running what i want to know is other than putting it in a car and trying to start it, how can i tell if its a good engine? when i turn it over by the crank there is compression and no nasty noises there's no bits of metal in the oil thanks pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davepug205 7 Posted January 18, 2009 Give it a shake an see if any thing rattles The condition of the plugs might tell you how it was running Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M@tt 77 Posted January 18, 2009 You can't really tell how good compression is by turning it over by hand although as you said it's a good indication as to whether theres obviously amiss such as the valves hitting the pistons but assuming it came from a running car it should be ok on that front. To check the bottom end you want to get some plastigauge and check the clearances to see what sort of state the bearings/crank are in. Have a look at Tom Fentons turbo conversion thread for piccy's if you're not sure about it. Got to be worth a fivers worth of plastigauge and an hour or so checking it for piece of mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peetypug 5 Posted January 18, 2009 well it was in a car i bought, its had the loom converted but i didn't know where to start as the car was in such a state! it had no loom on it, no fuel pipes, no ecu, no ignition switch, no battery terminals etc etc so i whipped it out without even trying to start it most of the above were found in the car amongst a load of crap, but it was too late by then it has run in another 205 before, but as i say i just want to be sure thanks both of you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ORB 227 1 Cars Posted January 19, 2009 while it is out, pull it to bits, bang a hg on it (then you can see inside) and whip the sump off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peetypug 5 Posted January 19, 2009 while it is out, pull it to bits, bang a hg on it (then you can see inside) and whip the sump off. it had a head gasket very recently the reason i want to check it is that i'm selling it if i plugged the loom into my 205, added a battery to the starter and alternator would it then turn over? i'm not bothered about it starting, just turning over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M@tt 77 Posted January 19, 2009 (edited) wouldn't even need the loom just connect +ve battery lead to starter and -ve to the block somewhere and then run another wire from starter solenoid to battery +ve and she'll spin over make sure she's secured though, you don't want her toppling over on you or damaging itself Edited January 19, 2009 by M@tt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peetypug 5 Posted January 19, 2009 cheers matt it'll be hanging on the engine hoist will i need to re-fit the gerabox? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,000 Posted January 19, 2009 If you only want to crank it over, then you just need to fit the gearbox, power and earth for the starter, and then a wire between the battery and solenoid to engage it - don't even need to bolt it into the car (although I would get someone to hold it steady) However, that will only show you compression. You really need to hear it running or to pop the sump off and inspect the big-end shells to hear whether it's spun/knackered a big-end shell which unfortunately alot have. The lack of metal in the oil is a good sign, but not conclusive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peetypug 5 Posted January 19, 2009 sorry for the stupid questions i've never tried to start an engine out of a car if i connect the loom into the car add the crank sensor, throttle position sensor, fuel lines and battery would it start? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted January 19, 2009 sorry for the stupid questions i've never tried to start an engine out of a car if i connect the loom into the car add the crank sensor, throttle position sensor, fuel lines and battery would it start? In theory yes, why wouldn't hit. However, where are gonna get the fuel pumped from under pressure? I was gonna suggest that a compression test would be a good start - after inspecting the main bearings/shells, which would also let you see the oil state too - which is easily achievable as described above. Power, starter and gearbox, comp tester and a sturdy set-up to grip it and you should at least find out if the HG is good and the rings & valves are sealing. Good luck. I'm 'home' soon so can help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peetypug 5 Posted January 19, 2009 i dont want to go to all the hassle of half stripping the engine. The power has to go through the slam panel doesnt it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M@tt 77 Posted January 19, 2009 The power has to go through the slam panel doesnt it? yeah it would if you want to connect all the loom up and start it from the key Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
