Engine Rebuild Tips & Supplies

Thanks John.

If I have to have anything made I'll put it out to the group to see if there is any interest. My engine looks to be an original 60k mile engine too. I'm laughing at those "Echo" pictures from the 1980s showing my engine and the "complete rebuild" job that was being done.

Do you think the cracked head you had is related to your problem ?

Thanks Tim. Engine went off to builder on Monday so we'll see how things go. Looking in to timing chain issue as I definitely need one. If there is a discount for a run I will post to the group.

According to Joe A all the pistons , connecting rods and rod caps come numbered from the factory . So if there is no numbers on some parts they were replaced .

From what I could gather Egge stocks Royale pistons .

What rebuilder are you using ? I was told that J and M Engine Rebuilders were very good for old motors on the AACA Forum .

What is involved in making a new timing chain ? Can you just cut down another high end car chain or will it required getting one cut out from scratch .

I'm using a local machinist who rebuilt the engine in my dad's Auburn (also a flat head straight 8). He will stamp rotating assembly as he takes it apart. There are companies that will fabricate a new timing chain from scratch. Do not have any prices yet. Oil pump gear looks great so that is one bullet I dodged.

John, Given the way the head was messed up my guess is that it froze. I was lucky that Bill gave me a spare head that was perfect after dipping and planing.

A J, it has been years since I rebuilt a Royale engine. No pistons or valves had to be replaced as mine was a 60,000 mile engine. I don't recall any 'got ya'. Like in any engine rebuild, I would number the pistons and the connecting rods, and mark the rod caps so that you can reinstall like it came from the factory. In my case it was the engine's initial rebuild. I am convinced that there was an effort from the factory to balance the engine to some degree. The group is in the process of putting together a kit of the engine gaskets, but I don't know if that will be ready in time for your rebuild. If you have to have parts like the timing chain or oil pump gears made please keep the rest of us in mind.