DIY Engine rebuilds

Many enthusiasts baulk at rebuilding engines and with good reason. Yes, if you have a clean workbench, plenty of space and good lighting, it’s feasible, but only if you can work without interruptions. A mobile phone can be both a blessing and a curse when you’re trying to concentrate – great for taking images as you go along, but a royal pain when it keeps ringing. And then there’s the cost of specialist tools. Our engine in camera would require nigh-on £150 of tool costs to do the job properly. If you’re going to be taking several of this type of motor apart then investment in the right kit makes sense, but if it’s only ever going to be a one-off, can you justify the outlay? How many have crank rebuilding equipment at home? It’s often a better approach to get someone who knows what they’re doing to take you through an engine rebuild stage by stage so you can learn. Doubtless I’ll take some flak for saying this but here goes – not every one of us wants to, can or will rebuild their own motors and no one should feel they’re somehow a lesser enthusiast for opting out. If engine rebuilds were simple, then everyone would be doing it and getting it right 24/7. which they aren’t!