Engine rebuild - Bay Area suggestions requested

[oshunana]

Hi Everyone,

I need to outsource an engine rebuild in the Bay Area. Fifteen years ago, I had this project done, and it wasn’t a problem. Today, however, is a whole different story.

A few weeks ago, I contacted Chris Obert in Santa Cruz--he has a 2 year waiting list. I’m on it, but I really don’t want to wait that long. He doesn’t offer referrals. (Something about lawsuits.)

International Sport Motors says that my engine is seized. They have have no idea what’s wrong and don't want to touch it. They suggested Alfa Center in North Beach, but I’ve seen mixed reviews. I’d love to take it to Imported Motor Service, but sadly Angelo recently passed away.

At this point, I’m contacting machinists. Lonnie Jensen in Potrero may help me—or at least tell me about someone who could…. I’m hoping, though, that the experts on this forum will have some better suggestions.

Any advice would be appreciated.

(I'm also posting this Q on in the Restoration Projects section—I'm new here, and I'm unsure which place is more appropriate.)

[toyfiats]

I realize from your previous post that you're not a mechanic and thus at the mercy of those that are, but these motors don't just "seize up" unless run with no oil and/or oil pressure. Did International offer any specifics on what the issue might be?

Are you looking to have a shop remove the motor and rebuild it (I can imagine most don't want to deal with that sort of job), or to remove it and have a machine shop or engine builder rebuild it, after which they will reinstall? Your options open up a bit if the latter case, as there are still some places here in the Bay Area that can be recommended, but in either case you're probably looking at a months long wait, and most shops don't want a dead car taking up valuable space while waiting on another shop to rebuild something (which notoriously can take a long time).

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Toyfiats' summary is exactly right. Here's what I can offer you: Since you're in the Bay Area, I'd be willing to come over some weekend and take a look at it, mainly to see if we can figure out what is causing the "seize". Perhaps some of my Bay Area cohorts would be willing to join in the fun. I'm retired, so Monday through Friday is also a possibility although we all know what the traffic is like, and I try to work around that.

Once we know why the engine is seized, I think the path forward will become clearer.

-Bryan

[oshunana]

Toyfiat—ISM didn’t offer any specifics. They couldn’t get the engine to turn over, so they threw up their hands and gave it back.

Here’s what happened: The day it died, it almost didn’t turn over 2x. To get the engine on, I just kept turning the ignition. It’s like the battery was dead—like it almost wanted to turn over but it couldn't. When the engine finally turned over--and I was driving it--there was a clacking sound. There was also a faint burning smell. (But there’s oil in the engine! The right kind, and at the right level. I definitely have oil in my engine—I check it monthly.)

As far as my repair goes, everything is on the table; I am not picky. From my perspective, if I can get it up and running in the next year I'll consider it a win. Currently, it is in a garage. I don’t rely on it for a commute or anything.

Bryan—What an incredibly generous offer! I’ll PM you.

[oshunana]

Also, about a year ago, my engine was "fainting." I mean, it would be idling and then just peter out. I took it to Angelo, and he said my engine was fine. He adjusted the idle and the issue went away. Not sure if that's related, but perhaps it'd be a clue...? (I wanted to note, too, that Angelo had said everything was ok--relatively recently, anyway.)

I haven't driven any long distances lately. It sits in a garage and gets exercised a couple times per month.

[toyfiats]

OK, from what you've said so far I think talking to machinists and rebuilding the motor is way too premature. You need to figure out what is wrong with the motor first ("it's bad" doesn't cut it ) before you can work on possible solutions.

I'm no mechanic, but have done most of my own work for the past 30+ years so I know my way around these cars. I'd be willing to make the trek over with Bryan and take a look as well, but the next month is a little on the chaotic side with all the kids starting school at different times (and different schools!).

[oshunana]

Toyfiats--That is incredibly generous. Like I said--there's no rush. Whenever you and Bryan can make it to the city, I'll be so grateful. I live a block off of Van Ness, and any time on weekdays/weekends is fine. I'll reach out to Bryan today, and we'll discuss.

Wow. I'm so impressed with my experience with the members on this forum. What a great community!

(Just to clarify: ISM told me my engine needed a rebuild. But they didn't do much investigating--they sent it back to me on the tow truck w/o charging me.)

[18Fiatsandcounting]

If you're willing, send me a PM with your phone number and we can connect. Easier than back and forth on the forum. The general plan of attack is to see if the engine is truly seized or whether there's just an issue with the starter motor or the like.

-Bryan

[geospider]

Also here in BAy Area; Concord.
Just did a rebuild. Machining was done at Joe's engine shop in Concord. I did the build. Joe's will build for your but also way backed up.

Agree with Bryan; needs to be checked out.
Let me know where and when the party starts..

Geo