Reply to "Engine rebuild"

If I have said this before please forgive me. I rebuilt my 351 windsor (69 model) but of course had the machining done by a reputable race engine builder/machinist. Since it was my first rebuild I had them order all the parts so that I would not have a problem with the incorrect parts for my particular engine. I also had them check bearing clearances and install screw in oil plugs. It was to be a completely stock rebuild 20 thou over. Cut a long story short here is a list of dramas on assembly time when one would have thought it drama free. Some I have thankfully forgotten.

Incorrect intake gaskets (was off a later windsor)

Incorrect sump gasket (probably the same problem)

Pistons hung out of the block by 20 thou so had to be machined (as it turns out the 69 block deck height is shorter than later years)

Had to take to the cam retaining washer edge with a grinder to make it fit the new double row chain

The worst of all is the brand new harmonic balancer. This caused me the most woes for a long time before I realised what was going on. I had a lot of problems with plugs fouling and in my search to fix the problem I changed many things but the most expensive being the rockers. They were changed to adjustable roller rockers but to no avail. One day while playing with the timing I decided to adjust it by ear and driving. Well after that the car came to life and no more fouling. But the timing sure was not any longer on the usual 10-18 degrees of initial advance but miles away. My theory is the balancer has the timing marks for a later model windsor with the water pump outlet of the drivers side, not the passenger side as my engine was. This means the timing pointer on my engine is in a different place than a later engine. So when I set the initial timing on around twelve degrees it was likely quite retarded but enough to run. That's the theory anyway!

The rubber rear main seal failed around three months after the rebuild. Don't know why but it had two great splits in it.

No matter what with rebuilding an engine you are going to have to rely on someone else for machining or parts etc. And you better look out because they are staying up at nights thinking of ways to ruin your day!