I guess it's rebuild time?

[Anonymous]

Well, I've had this 1960 Comet with a 144 cid a for a few months. When I got it, it had sat for several years. After replacing the fuel pump, carb, plugs and wires, I got it running. It was running rough but running nontheless. I've never rebuild an engine before so you experts can give me some advice. While it was running, I pulled each wire to see if I was firing in all 6 cylinders. I was getting no change on the last three cylinders (the three closest to the firewall). Upon compression check, I got zero in one, 135, and 55 in the last cylinder. So I'm guessing it's time to break her open for a rebuild? I'm a quick learner and have done most everything else on car besides engine work. Would yall recommend me having a professional do my engine work or does this sound like something I could do and learn with the help of a good book? Keep in mind that I'm not really looking to really supe it up. It will just be used to cruise around in on weekends. Thanks in advance for you opinions.

 

[Asa]

you might get someone to build you the shortblock for you, but after that it should be all stuff you can do as long as you pay attention and take your time

even building the short block shouldn't be that hard, but i wouldn't want to do it without someone looking over my shoulder the first time i did it

 

[Anonymous]

Are there any good rebuild videos out there? I tend to learn the most by watching. Looks like I'm gonna have a buddy who knows what he's doing help me on the rebuild but I'd like to gain as much knowledge as possible before beginning. Thanks

 

[addo]

Plan well first. Make sure you've the funds to push it through, a clean secure workspace, means of getting the parts in and out, a timeframe with allowances for the unforseen.

Plus - have all the information you need, at hand, all the tools, and a digital camera so as last resort you can tax our collective brains!

 

[Lazy JW]

JC Whitney sells an engine rebuild video according to their catalog. I haven't seen it but it allegedly shows a full rebuild on a small block Chebbie, and the basics are all the same as your engine. Check out www.jcw.com , part no. SN131732B $19.99. You certainly can do this yourself, just take your time, do the research, and definitely get a digital camera to take photos before, during, and after. The photos are invaluable for figuring out where that wire or bracket went. Before digital cameras I used a Polaroid.
Joe

 

[mugsy]

If you don't already have one, buy a Shop Manual. They are an invaluable source of information. Personally its the the first thing you should buy AFTER you buy a project car.

Second, do your best and estimate the cost to rebuild; then double it. That will be pretty close to the real cost.

Third, estimate the time it will take to rebuild; then add 50% more. That is when it will be back on the road.

Lastly, if this us NOT your daily driver then I say go for it!!! That's the way I learned. I bought a project car, fixed it the best I could and WHEN (not if) I messed up all it took me was time and money to fix it. As long as you have a way to get to work, then learning by doing is the best way.

tanx,
Mugsy

P.S. For my first "engine rebuild" I bought a short block from an Engines-R-Us-type place and assembled it from there. That is an easy, sure way to get started.