One of the big end bearings has gone again due to running low on oil. Bit stupid of me as this is exactly what happened last year.

 

(Note to self: check oil every week!)

 

Took me seven hours to get the engine out, which personally I don't think is bad at all. Especially working with a trolley jack on the driveway with no help from anyone else. I even wrote down full instructions (and took a few piccies) as I was going along so I can do a detailed engine removal write up for you boys ('coz I'm such a nice bloke!)

 

I've got access to another car for two weeks so I'll be putting the engine back in the weekend after next. Should be plenty of time to get the crank out and sort the bearings.

 

I'll keep you all posted.

OMG! :eek:

Check Oil! :headvswal

Good work though m8

Not bad going at all there Mike.....

 

Before you refit the engine why not check why it ran low on oil in the first place. How long had it been before you last checked it?

 

My ZX consumes very little oil, maybe 1/4 litre per 2000 miles if that :confused:

 

Good luck with re-assembly, you make it look so easy!

 

Richard ;)

Not bad going at all there Mike.....

 

Before you refit the engine why not check why it ran low on oil in the first place. How long had it been before you last checked it?

 

My ZX consumes very little oil, maybe 1/4 litre per 2000 miles if that :confused:

 

Good luck with re-assembly, you make it look so easy!

 

Richard ;)

 

 

I have never had to top up the oil on my Z.

 

 

Not think its time to get a lightened pulley too? ;)

I sold a good crank on Ebay for a fiver I think it was.

As Richard said, find out why its uses oil BEFORE you put it back in. You know it makes sanse. Mine uses no oil, ever.

As Richard said, find out why its uses oil BEFORE you put it back in. You know it makes sanse. Mine uses no oil, ever.

I quite agree. Last time, the low oil was due to numerous factors, all of which I put right (broken PCV pipes from the cam covers to the throttle bodies, leaking oil cooler pipes, various other leaky pipes).

 

The oil level was fine until recently when it started requiring top ups. Does the following picture look suspicious to anyone...?

I have never had to top up the oil on my Z.

 

 

Not think its time to get a lightened pulley too? ;)

What do you mean?! That's the special lightened "brown rust effect" pulley from cast-iron-pulleys.com. Best on the market.

No Offence, but are you joking?

I quite agree. Last time, the low oil was due to numerous factors, all of which I put right (broken PCV pipes from the cam covers to the throttle bodies, leaking oil cooler pipes, various other leaky pipes).

 

The oil level was fine until recently when it started requiring top ups. Does the following picture look suspicious to anyone...?

 

I'm no expert Mike, but that doesn't look too good....

 

Richard :x:

If the image is real the turbo looks like its filling up with oil???? When I say real I mean you didnt squirt some oil in there. Must smoke like crazy.

If the image is real the turbo looks like its filling up with oil???? When I say real I mean you didnt squirt some oil in there. Must smoke like crazy.

No joke mate. The odd thing is it didn't smoke in the slightest! I didn't notice any oil when I first removed the small pipe going to the downpipe. However, I turned the engine upside down last night (with the help of the crane) to make working on the bottom end easier. Once it was upside down, that's when I noticed the oil. I agree, it does seem like quite a large amount.

 

I can't see anywhere else it could have come from except from internally (i.e. it couldn't have dripped from anywhere else unless one of the oil cooler pipes draped itself across there while it was being turned). I can only think it's been collecting in there slowly over the last few days when it's not been used, and has come out after the inversion.

 

Anyone know how much a recondition of the seals, etc, in both turbos would cost? They're Turbo Technics hybrids.

No joke mate. The odd thing is it didn't smoke in the slightest! I didn't notice any oil when I first removed the small pipe going to the downpipe. However, I turned the engine upside down last night (with the help of the crane) to make working on the bottom end easier. Once it was upside down, that's when I noticed the oil. I agree, it does seem like quite a large amount.......

 

My previous car (Mk3 Supra) developed what I guess was a turbo problem - it suddenly had a serious appetite for oil. In the last month of ownership I was putting almost a litre a week in. If I did a long journey at high speed then I would have to add a litre of oil after about 200 miles. There were definately no leaks as my garage floor was always spotless and to add to the mystery it didn't smoke either :confused:

 

Get on to Turbo Technics for their advice on problem, cost etc.

 

Good luck mate

 

Richard

Well it's all back in and working (for now). Took me 15 hours to get it all back in so not as good as taking it out I'm afraid!

 

The oil coming out of the turbo is normal, according to the turbo people. When I turned the engine upside down, it simply leaked past the metal seals which aren't designed to hold it under those cirsumstances. It's the same as turning your engine upside down and expecting your piston rings to keep the oil in.

 

Replaced a load of oil hoses anyway and I'll have to keep a regular eye on the oil level to make sure I'm not still leaking.

 

And I've got a very detailed illustrated guide to engine removal and refitting nearly ready which I'll post up somewhere shortly.

Forgot to mention. I broke one of the water pipes at the front of the engine so big thanks go out to Dave at Petrol Heads for the quick and extremely reasonably priced supply of a replacement.

 

Cheers Dave. Top bloke.