SPI struck me as well - Rebuild thread

[malim]

IT IS NUMBER #4!!!!

Well, being part of this community for awhile, SPI finally decided to crap out on me at 130k. I decided to put my mechanical skills to the test and try to rebuild it and hopefully succeed as some of us have with their rebuilts. Since I am from Canada and Headsonly doesn't ship here and to avoid a headache in case anything goes wrong, I am going with my local machine shop. Also, it is much harder to source parts here because swapping engines is the way to go around here without giving them a second chance at life.

So far, I have taken everything apart to find piston #4 chewed up. Cylinder walls look good without any scratches. Cleaned out my intake and found a few peaces there as well as on top of the cylinder.

HUGE THANK YOU goes to WrenchTurnerDave for helping me out a lot so far with all the questions I have. Also thanks to iminhell for answering my question regarding the injector pintle cap.

Here are some of the pics.

[Sponsor]

[malim]

Since piston #4 is junk, I must replace it but I am not sure about the rod. It looks good and didn't get bend, however there is some binding when I try to move the connecting rod with the piston attached to it. I've soaked it in oil, which helped a bit but not much.

I also noticed, that the wrist pin moves which is not a good sign. What do you guys think, could I just replace the piston in hopes it's the piston causing the binding or do I have to get a new rod? I've already sourced a piston with 1.2mmx1.5mmx3.0mm grooves with rings,bearings and a wrist pin for a good price.

Check out the pictures.

[amc49]

If you are talking about piston side pictures then the pin normally moves side to side in piston like that, it is locked into the rod only. Now, if pin moves in rod, then both are junk.

Hard to say on replacing rod. The flat on sides can be checked with a flat edge and pin out to see if bent sideways........

[Top-Ace]

I never understand why people wait until their spi focus blows up before they decide to do anything about it when they know of the problem. I reccomend finding a nice used motor, and replace the seats before all of the damage occurs in the first place.

[malim]

Originally Posted by Top-Ace

I never understand why people wait until their spi focus blows up before they decide to do anything about it when they know of the problem. I reccomend finding a nice used motor, and replace the seats before all of the damage occurs in the first place.

I'll tell you why. For some it's a daily driver and people rely on the car so they can't have the downtime without the car. Besides, it happens at different intervals, I've always watched the TEMP on the car so I've dropped the seat on a pretty decent mileage which is somewhat understandable.

Why would I buy a whole motor and rebuild the head if I can do it with mine ? The motors that are still alive go for $1000+ with decent mileage. The only thing that changes in my situation is that I have to change the piston and maybe a rod otherwise rebuild would cost the same with or without the dropped seat. I would take that risk any day.

[WrenchTurnerDave]

Malim...do not reuse that connecting rod, or wristpin. They are definitely bent. Only slightly can make a difference, trust me.

Also, other responder was correct, exhaust seats hardened, have new seats pressed into intake and have metal "gnurled" over them to prevent this from happening again.

Also, I've kept up this whole time, you are doing a great job. Don't listen to users like Top Ace, you're doing fine.

[lmcd314]

i bought this piston, connecting rod and rings setup already assembled, yes it costs a little more, but it sure was convenient, ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-0-Ford-Foc...3&cmd=ViewItem )

then i bought this assembled head http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ead#fragment-4

saved some money with: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

[malim]

Do you need to replace only 4 intake valve seats or the exhaust seats go as well ?

[mikebontoft]

As far as I'm aware it's just the intake. Exhaust seats should be hardened because of the heat if I'm not mistaken.

Piston pins are OK, they're the floating style.

[amc49]

You mean pressed, floating have clips in the pistons...........floating means BOTH the piston and rod are slipfit.