Serious engine problems!!

Tues.21.10.08. For the previous 6 days Chris had taken a sensible rest from all that is stressful but together with Colin has planned a possible resumption of ‘work’ from lunchtime today. Colin was to prepare the groundwork for the final push, organizing the programme for the MOT. He would schedule the ‘checks’, the tightening of nuts and bolts, the re-configuration of the front springs, sitting the vehicle on it’s wheels, the adjustment of the suspension, everything in fact that boasts, “We are very close to the finishing tape!”.

But, disappointingly, having once started the engine a disconcerting noise from the lower crank area of the unit began to grumble growing into something much more sinister. It wasn’t long before the sound developed into a sizeable groan, inevitably reaching dangerously audible proportions. A preliminary examination exposed a probable fault with the oil pump, confirmed by a distinct lack of the ‘liquid substance’ inside the rocker cover. The symptoms were common to an oil pump failure that if not addressed immediately would cause maximum damage to the assembled components inside the engine. Closer examinations of other oil feeds indicated that the problem could be traced back to the ‘bottom end’: significantly, there was also a deficiency of any fluid distribution coupled with a total lack of oil pressure.

This has been a major blow. Colin had taken meticulous care when building the engine from scratch. Nothing was left to chance. Precise measurements throughout the entire construction were taken. There was a stage 2 head professionally built by GKN, re-built twin 1.5 SUs, compatibly jetted for the head, a one off twin stainless steel exhaust system fabricated on site, rings, sleeves, shells all tenderly assembled: it had been a perfectly engineered motor, annoyingly let down by a shoddily, carelessly manufactured pump. It is the B10 C1 217058 oil pump provided by Paddocks on 19.10.06 at a cost of £40.50. Will there be no end to this incredible absence of ‘quality control’? The engine must be removed then stripped. The ancillary components, starter motor, brake and fuel lines, dynamo, carburettors, distributor, manifold also must be detached. The front end of the car needs to be completely taken to pieces, the radiator, oil cooler, fan, nose cone and shrouds, all dismantled to accommodate this procedure.

Colin left the building bereaved, blubbering like an infant. He, like Chris was inconsolable, confused, furious, feeling cheated, mugged again by inadequate, inferior product. This is just bollocks.