R.I.P. 1.8L

[recker500]

So... My story began on my other post HERE
regarding the possible purchase of a 2.0L block I found on ebay. (did not make the purchase).

Here my story continues...

So last week I posted pictures of the spark plugs and down inside plug hole #4. I have since removed the head to see the extent of the damage below. Here is what I found,,,

After removing the head and touching nothing...


Lets take a closer look at #4... (untouched)


Other cylinders are littered with the results of #4


Cylinder walls all feel smooth and look alright, even #4 so I think block MIGHT be safe. Could probably use a bore... However, The hole in piston #4 did let a lot down inside...


Now to the head... #'s 1,2,3 all looked something like this. Bit of aluminum smashed into them by the pistons.


annnndddd..... the beast...


So.... My time just got switched from engine work to cosmetics. I figure now is a better time than ever to work on getting the engine bay painted.
I am certainly keeping the car, only paid $500 for this beauty! (I gave up on trying to make it fit in the frame...)


Gonna have to wait for next years tax return (this ones already spoken for) unfortunately. I would like to go with the 2.0L Block and a 1.8L head combo. My current head will be recycled after I slavage what I can. If the block really is ok once I clean it up, it can go in as a core credit when it comes time to purchase a 2.0L (most likely reman/already mostly complete from one of our vendors).
Happy Summer! (I can say summer because it was 80 here in Las Vegas today).

[garion]

Uhhh.... Yuck...

Did the metal in the other cylinders get sucked in through the intake or something?

[divace73]

ouch, I really do hope another engine comes your way....

[recker500]

John, I believe that is exactly what happened because there were metal shavings all throughout the intake and covering the bottom of the carb.
Thanks David, I hope so too. I love working on the car and so I will keep working on other things until I come across a new engine.

[RRoller123]

What a mess. Sorry.

[narfire]

Bummer, that is a mess.
Too bad you're not closer I could pull a 1800 from the parts car and you would be good to go..
Chris

[azruss]

looks like the cylinder walls are pretty clean, like the motor was shut down right away. If they arent scarred, you may have a usable block and bottom end.

[htchevyii]

Keep your eyes and ears open and you are bound to run across a parts car or someone parting out a car. I've bought complete engines for a hundred bucks and running cars for $200. Might get you on the road while you build your dream engine.

[n10zf8]

Hey Andy,
Where at in Nevada are you located? I have a 1608cc that turns freely, as far as I know it runs just needs freshening up(according to PO). I would let it go for 250$, you'd have to come get it though. I'm in sw Idaho, just let me know. I was planning to rebuild it but you seem to have a more immediate need. Not trying to capitalize on your bad luck just thought I'd help and it's worth 250$ to me.
-Mike

[recker500]

Thank you all. It is a mess but I'm not going to let it stop me.

Trey,
Not too many Fiats or Fiat parts for that matter show up in Las Vegas. I know there are a few here but I've never been able to get in contact with anybody.

Mike,
Thank you for the offer. I definitely need to consider that. I have family up in northern Nevada, West Wendover(utah/nevada) border if you are familiar with the place. I am usually up that way around once a month or once every couple of months. I have journeyed up to Twin Falls a few times through Jackpot Nevada. Not sure if that's the area you would happen to be in? I've never really looked too far into the 1608 engines. From my understanding, they are a common choice for building little race engines, correct? Not that I'm looking to build any kind of race engine but it could be fun to build one up a little bit. I would sure love to get my car back on the road sooner rather than later. If I end up waiting till I can buy a rebuilt engine from one of the vendors like I was planning, it definitely won't be until next year. Trying to buy a house this year with my fiancé. However $250 is much more doable.

I'm definitely interested in anyone's opinion of the 1608 engine. I have a brand-new 32/36 DFEV carb that I just put on my car right before broke down. Would this carb even be a consideration for this engine? Help me out guys. Like I said before, not looking for a race engine, just something that will be fun to drive still.

[ROOK1]

Hey Andy.

I have a 1800 here in SLC that I would be willing to let go of. I took it out of a parts car that I had. It turns freely. Aldo if you want that 2000 here is a whole parts car on KSL you can have for $500.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad ... t&ad_cid=9

Let me know if you are interested.