Engine Strip Down March/April 2015

So now that the body work has been taken to the fibreglassers for work, It was time to move on to the next big job, this is to strip the engine down.
The main ancillaries have already been removed together with the timing cover and inlet manifold. we have exposed the timing wheel also during the previous work and found that it was the worst kind of wheel you could have found, the fibre one that has a tendancy to shred itself and ruin the engine at high revs and low pressure.

Engine front with Fibre timing wheel.

A replacement steel timing wheel has been sourced and we plan to install this once the newly refurbished and shiny engine parts return from being treated. (see below Steel timing wheel) these are a bit noisier than the original when run, but are worth the inconvenience as they will last a hell of a lot longer! A friend of mine bought a couple of V6 Essex engines and each of them had these wheels in so that was a bonus we arranged a trade of parts.

I intend to acid dip the main block and other components to ensure that the old paint and dirt comes off to reveal a nice smooth clean finish.
Several other bits will be sent away for powdercoating/chroming etc..cue my favourite shotblasters and powdercoaters over in Redditch. :)

Below I have included some more pictures of the work, The first picture shows the Heads taken off following closely the order of the bolts according to the Ford Capri Haynes Manuals we have.

Heads removed

Block shown minus the first Head

Looking at the block as it is here, you can tell by the orange on the block where the oxidised water has been, but no worry these waterways will be thoroughly cleared when acid dipping and cleaning commences. new core plugs must be bought as my dad has informed me after the strip down that these are as thin as tin foil now.

Another thing to note while doing this (as we found out twice already) Don't tip the engine up at this stage!! oil if left in the sump will find its way out everywhere!!

Since these stages of the engine strip down tyhe Chassis has been completed with all brake lines being finished off and connected rear wiring harness has been refurbed and put into place through its run down the gearbox tunnel.