200 Series Engine Swap Options (5 Viewers)

[MissoulaMan]

It should be really easy to check crankshaft thrust clearance with a dial indicator. Any idea whether any of the shops have done this yet?

Also you can send off a sample of the engine oil for analysis. If anything is letting the crank walk there would be plenty of evidence of it in the oil.

Those are great tips. I've had pretty lengthy conversations with all of them and the dial indicator checking for crankshaft thrust clearance was never mentioned. There isn't much room in between the pully and the radiator, maybe because they are hesitant to take it that far apart just for diagnosis? With the abnormal engine noise, I think they got pretty confident in the diagnosis.

For oil analysis, is there a length of time or number of miles you'd want in there before sending off? With the leak and keeping it topped off and the latest full change seemingly not that long ago (before I got it), its clean and golden yet.

 

[bloc]

Those are great tips. I've had pretty lengthy conversations with all of them and the dial indicator checking for crankshaft thrust clearance was never mentioned. There isn't much room in between the pully and the radiator, maybe because they are hesitant to take it that far apart just for diagnosis? With the abnormal engine noise, I think they got pretty confident in the diagnosis.

In that case a lever-type indicator could help a lot with packaging. Yes it may be a challenge to find something ferrous for a magnetic base or solid enough for a clamp-type mount, but a mechanic that knows what they're doing should be able to handle this.

For oil analysis, is there a length of time or number of miles you'd want in there before sending off? With the leak and keeping it topped off and the latest full change seemingly not that long ago (before I got it), its clean and golden yet.

Generally the more miles on the oil the better for analysis, but again if you're having significant thrust bearing issues with this engine it should be apparent even with very few miles on the oil in that condition. UOA (used oil analysis) looks for most elements in the range of PPM, including metals used in the block, bearings, and rotating assembly. It is very sensitive. Actual mechanical problems will very quickly become apparent when analyzed this way. People have seen slightly elevated potassium levels that pointed to an incipient head gasket leak and were able to address the problem well before any damage occurred to the block, head, or other mechanical parts. It really is a powerful tool.

You could also contact Blackstone or another respected UOA lab to get their take on things and see if they think it's worthwhile.

 

[linuxgod]

FWIW I’ve had leaks on motors before that only showed up under higher RPMs. I had a 1980 Celica that leaked like a sieve above 2800 RPMs, to the tune of a quart every 50 miles, but early shifts and light throttle around town and the dipstick never moved. (Turned out to be an oil pan that was so loose I could tighten the bolts with my fingers).

I suspect BTW it’s not just high RPMs but actually putting a load on the motor that is causing your leak. From the description I would’ve guessed the rear main seal, but I’m no expert here especially without pics

 

[MissoulaMan]

Generally the more miles on the oil the better for analysis, but again if you're having significant thrust bearing issues with this engine it should be apparent even with very few miles on the oil in that condition. UOA (used oil analysis) looks for most elements in the range of PPM, including metals used in the block, bearings, and rotating assembly. It is very sensitive. Actual mechanical problems will very quickly become apparent when analyzed this way. People have seen slightly elevated potassium levels that pointed to an incipient head gasket leak and were able to address the problem well before any damage occurred to the block, head, or other mechanical parts. It really is a powerful tool.

You could also contact Blackstone or another respected UOA lab to get their take on things and see if they think it's worthwhile.

Ya'll are great thanks for the help. I was thinking of doing an oil change anyway as I wanted to see if there was any clues going through that process so I'll plan on an sending oil in for an analysis pronto.

 

[MissoulaMan]

FWIW I’ve had leaks on motors before that only showed up under higher RPMs. I had a 1980 Celica that leaked like a sieve above 2800 RPMs, to the tune of a quart every 50 miles, but early shifts and light throttle around town and the dipstick never moved. (Turned out to be an oil pan that was so loose I could tighten the bolts with my fingers).

I suspect BTW it’s not just high RPMs but actually putting a load on the motor that is causing your leak. From the description I would’ve guessed the rear main seal, but I’m no expert here especially without pics

I can take pics but the one constant from three mechanics is that its coming out of the crank seal or so close to that it's indistinguishable from that. There could definitely be other leaks (e.g., evidence of a pretty minor cam tower leak) but this one is profuse enough to cover other sources.

 

[open country]

@gray rider How is the swap going?

 

[gray rider]

@gray rider How is the swap going?

Just now getting in to the meat of it.....will update "soon"....

 

[PDoyle]

No pics?

 

[gray rider]

Not yet....will update "soon".....