Hey guys


Over the last bit my engine started knocking. Got it checked and cylinder 4 internally is scratched up.


Where do you recommend I send the block to get re sleeved? Or any other options?


There are no warning lights and the car drives 100%, so its pretty early I guess. Its parked now.

 

Bummer!

My best advice is unless you want to replace the engine with a new one -- probably expensive -- or replace it with one from a salvaged vehicle -- has its own risks -- would be to check out ads in Excellence magazine for ads from businesses that specialize in rebuilding these engines and make a list (a very short list) and then call and ask questions about the process, what's done, what it costs, what warranty is offered, does the engine require any special treatment or servicing after (like maybe some special boutique oil), etc.

 

you have a scored cylinder and the engine will most likely need to be replaced. Scored cylinders seem to occur more often in cold climate areas (like Canada). It has something to due with the poor design of the cooling plumbing within the engine block and the expansion/contraction rates of dissimilar metals in the engine heads. Essentially the cylinder got real hot because the cold coolant couldn't circulate fast enough through the motor as it was warming up.

I own a car that had a scored cylinder and the engine was replaced by the previous owner. Since I only have summer tires I won't drive my car if it is below 32 degrees.

Hopefully I am wrong but please keep the board up to date with what is happening.

-MIke B

 

3.6 or 3.8L?

 

it's a 3.8L

Thank you for the info. I am in Canada and in cold temp the engine crested a problem.

Anyone have any info on where in North America I can send the engine block to get sleeved?

 

I don't have a personal review but I have seen this place/this guys name come up a few times around the boards http://flat6innovations.com/

Jeller

 

I would probably send mine to these guys if it ever had a problem. They used to be in Illinois but apparently recently moved to Florida.

http://mbmotorsportsrepair.com/index.html

 

i'll post a review this summer - mine goes down there in 1 month for 4.0 build.

 

Not sure you want to sleeve a 911??

 

Thanks guys, I contacted both guys.


Is there any other option? A new engine is getting quoted out at $35k

 

Before I would pay $35K for a rebuild I would investigate a low mileage used engine.

 

Contact Jason over at 9XX, in long beach CA, he can get you set up with what you need, no highway robbery with him.

 

Bummer! What year,how many miles were on it and how do you contribute too the #4 cyl. getting scorched? I'm just curious?

 

Rebuild the existing engine with the bum cylinder, replace the engine with a new engine, replace with a used engine, or sell the car as a roller. That's all I think there is.

Flat6Engineering comes in for a lot of good word of mouth. There is a long lead time which can be a mixed sign but since the word of mouth is good this suggests the long lead time it a good sign, and the rebuild can be pricey.

Give the shop a call and get more info and see if the rebuild by this shop is possibly something you want done.

There are other shops around but I do not know any that I could recommend.

This does not mean these shops are no good only that I don't have any direct or indirect experience to go on to make a recommendation.

My previous post suggested you look for engine rebuilders in the ads section of Excellence/Panorama. That advice still stands.

How confident are you of the "scratched cylinder" diagnosis? Knocking can come from a number of causes and not all even involve the engine. (My Boxster knocked when cold and it was a loose brick in the converter. But the knocking so had me convinced the crank was loose I was checking my piggy banks anticipating an engine R&R.)

Scratched (scored) cylinders is an easy diagnosis which often gets offered up when the problem is something else.

A Canada car -- or one used in extreme low ambient temperatures at any rate -- is more likely to suffer from a scored cylinder though I do not accept some of the reasons offered.

Regardless though you need to be very sure of the diagnosis as there is a lot of money riding on this.

 

Makes incredible rebuild engines strokers etc, just amazing if it helps

http://www.speedsporttuning.net/street.asp