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Sunday 23rd August 2015

Getting closer to the front clip going back on. Made a gasket for the water pump, not to former MBM standards but should do the job nevertheless. After cleaning up surfaces gasket cemented the block, water pump and gasket but fortunately just before re-uniting the water pump with the engine I realised the water distribution tube hadn't been re-installed! Sliding it in, the water pump re-install then went ahead as planned. Re-connected the generator, the fuel pump heat shield and the engine pipe to the exhaust manifold. Then removed the right mudguard(fender) support, the left had been removed before the clip removal. Thinking it'll be easier for the clip reinstall if it's not there sticking up. Almost there, but also thinking I'd like to run the engine again very briefly before the clip goes on. I know, it'll be without coolant, but will be brief and it's just to ensure it does still work after Mal has been mucking around. Only trouble was the battery would barely turn the engine over. Charger connected to battery and charging now, so tomorrow will be test day.

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Tuesday 1st September 2015

First day of spring in this part of the world and, although the birds are singing and the grass growing, it's not a particularly happy day.

Tried to start the Coupe on Sunday but it was very sluggish in turning over. Taking heed of numerous other posts, concerning battery cable size, examined my battery cables and found the one from the battery to the starter motor was marked G2 which I thought might be 2 gauge. So, yesterday, had a new 00 gauge cable made up. The other cable to ground is a large braided cable so I think that's OK. Also charged up the battery in case that was a factor. With the new cable in place fired up the Coupe but shut it down very shortly thereafter because of a rubbing/grinding noise coming from the timing case. Tried starting again today with the same result, a rubbing/grinding noise coming from the timing case. My brother, in a phone call about that time, suggested I run it again and whatever was rubbing would find it's own level after a while. Needless to say I didn't take his brotherly "advice". Only thing to do was to take the timing case off to determine what the problem is.

Meant removing the harmonic balancer, jacking the engine up, removing the front engine mount yoke and then taking off the timing case. In doing so was greeted with a bunch of metal particles and a groove where the outside edge of the timing chain had "machined" a path in the timing case cover. And why did it do that? Because the timing case cover was off a 110 and not a 120! Knew that when Peter sent it to me and his advice was to check it, which I hadn't, so stupid me! Measurement, after the fact, reveals the 110 cover to be about 33 mm deep while the 120 is about 38 mm deep. If I'd listened to my brothers suggestion, besides a sump(pan) full of metal particles, I'd have a ventilated timing case where the timing chain had bravely gouged it way to freedom.

After this, I'm thinking my lack of mechanical savvy should keep me away from turning spanners(wrenches) on my Coupe. Very true but, without the benefit of deep pockets to finance anybody else working on the Coupe, looks like I'll just have to continue doing it myself.

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At least no further harm was done and the source of the problem has been identifie (the timing case!!).

Onwards and upwards!

I'd be concerned about any metallic particles finding their way down into the crankcase.

"I'd be concerned about any metallic particles finding their way down into the crankcase"

Dave,
Yes, I'm concerned too. Hopeful that whatever made it's way into the sump(pan) didn't go further with the limited running time the engine did. Plan to drain the oil and then flush the sump with kerosene before refilling with fresh oil. Hadn't planned on an oil change but if it has to be, it has to be.

At least you hadn't put the front clip on yet!

Nonsense.
The 110 cover is the same as the 120 cover. More specifically, see 5.0800 304267. The only "different" 6/120 cover would be from a '35-120 which has a thinner timing chain/gear setup, and I don't know for certain what the specific difference is in the cover, and I would think it would be more than a few thousands different and would not have fit upon assembly.
Please advise specific point of measurement, preferably in inches. I have a nice fresh cover here....as I would think many folks would, should not need to ship one over? Check with King or Dosser?

DAF

David,

Great minds think alike, so it seems. I've been in contact with one Peter Packard and like you we were pouring over the 35-41 Parts List and the 41-47 Clipper Parts List. We also identified that the difference in covers, and chains for that matter, are for the 120 and 120B's. All others whether for 245(Six) or 282(Eight) are the same. Looks like it's just my luck that I've ended up with an early 120 cover. Also believe that our mutual friend has been in close contact with you about this matter, your offer of a timing case cover is most gratefully accepted gracious. However I'm also exploring other avenues, with the same said Peter Packard calling in here on Monday on his trip north. Peter will have another cover with him which may be of use once measurement confirms it to be the "right" size. My measurements, on the cam gear side of the cover see the photos, show the thin cover as 33 mm = 1&5/16" and the fat cover as 38 mm = 1&1/2", and I've excluded the parallax error apparent in the photos!

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Mal; I think it would be a very good idea to remove the oil pan and clean it and the the oil pickup, You should be able to remove the cover and clean the screen. If any of the metal from the first cover or the replacement cover get to the crank you will have major problems. If you think the engine is hard to turn over-take it apart as it is to late. I don't want to predict doom but metal shavings and bearing don't mix. Sorry to see your problems Dell

Jon,

I know it's the right thing to do but I don't want to!

Rolls around the floor screaming and kicking like a two year old!!

However, I will do it! I'd never be able to drive the Coupe again without constantly worrying there was going to be an engine catastrophe