Big End Rebuild recommendations

[Alex O]

UPDATE:
Just popped in to look at the truck and talk to the mechanic.

One of the exhaust valves has started to pull through the head. The head was replaced shortly before we bought it (50k miles ago) so slightly "miffed" that the head is failing.....not through heat! It was obviously cheap.

So.....new head is now required too (a repair seems silly as there is nothing to prevent the other valves doing similar in the future).

In response to Growler's comment - the valves/shims/cam etc all come as a kit and custom ones are not being fabricated.

I have specifically asked them to spend as much as is required to get high quality parts as opposed to cheap bits.....I want this damn thing to last a bit longer before the next big bill.

Watch this space....

[tashtego]

It did sound like a valve knock to me...

[bryanisaoldgit]

yep iknow they are a very basic motor
but you need a knoledge of um to fix
um maybe because they are old and basic
is why the average garage cant or wont
even try
thats what i mean about noledge
my spelling is getting worseter by the day

[Alex O]

Another Update:

It turns out that when the head was last replaced (previous owner) only 50k miles ago, everything was over tightened and as a result one of the valves has snapped (it wasn't pulling through the head).

So, new set of valves/springs etc. to join the other parts. But at least I know the cause.

Hope to have it back today or tomorrow.....

[bryanisaoldgit]

well i cant see how overtighting
could cause a valve to snap
i wait in antisipation i fink thats
speculation at best and porkys at worst
told you my spelling getting bad

[designer]

Big end rebuild / knock

Hi

My 3ltr 3rd gen intercooler, has the same tapping sound as your video clip. Wanted to check how you got on in the end. Was problem rectified? What was the issue in the end? Any info you could give would be appreciated as it may help me diagnosing my issue
Many thanks

[Alex O]

Hi,

Not got it back yet as we are on holiday but it was a snapped valve that caused the noise.

I was advised (if DIY) to take the head off and work down in order to track down the issue. I didn't have the time but if I had removed the head I would have seen the issue pretty clearly - the garage doing the repair have asked me to pop in at every stage so that I can see what they are finding.

Every problem is different but I went into this with an expectation of at least £1,500 to fix...not got the bill yet though.

Good luck

[designer]

valve tapping noise

Hi AlexO thanks for responding to my question.Sorry to trouble you whilst you were on holiday.Once you are back would you please update me on progress.I would also be interested to see if your garage would look at my surf? Thanks designer

[Alex O]

Hi Designer,

Got the truck back today. Last additional expense was a faulty injector that needed to be rebuilt/repaired. Total cost was just over £2,000.

However, it runs well now and all is fixed.

I asked about them being willing to take on yours and they would be happy to, despite being a Mercedes specialist predominently.

The company is MercMedics http://www.merc-medic.co.uk/

Best of luck with yours.
Alex

[designer]

Thanks

Hi Alex thanks for the info and update.Glad to hear your surf is back on the road.designer

[Alex O]

Hi Guys,

Sadly the Surf has broken again. Similar noise to last time but the same garage has taken a look, removed the cam cover and said that all the valves/springs etc. are moving correctly and therefore it is likely to be the bottom end this time. He thinks piston 4 is known for this?

Anyway, this is not something he wants to get involved with and has said I need an engine builder to strip down, oversize bearings, reground crank etc.

Can anyone recommend either an engine builder or perhaps the first steps to locating a replacement/used engine?

As the garage haven't really had a proper look I wonder if the problem could be simpler but I really want to get a specialist involved if that's the case. Any help?

Thank you
Alex