engine test

[barry3]

guys a little bit pf advice please,
looking at a couple of late mark2 for sale,
what is a good way of testing the engine,ie,takeing off the oil filler cap
should the engine stop or slow any tappet noise,when i find the right one
i will get a expert to go over it as well ,just want a little insite
thanks barry

[71Stag]

Start with the bills whats been done who's done it. Chains need doing at around 20k and a case hardend crank is a good thing to see. Look at the condition of the oil it should be changed every 3000 miles so if its filthy walk away likewise when was the coolant last changed and the system flushed this is critical to maintaining the heads in good condition and needs to happen every two years. What comes out the back when you start it these engines burn oil but it shouldn't be excessive. Listen too it! there will be some tappet noise but it shouldn't be excessive and it should be even across the heads look in the v it should be clean and dry any sign of oil or water walk away. Thats my view there's probably plenty of other things but that's what I'd look for

[martin]

Hi Barry, after a test drive, allow the engine to idle for about 5 minutes, then blip the accelerator and watch for smoke from the exhaust, either blue or white, neither is acceptable, take off the oil cap while the engine's running, the idle speed should change slightly, also look for mayonnaise in the cap, that's a no no. The oil should still be transparent even if darkened, the antifreeze should be distinctly blue. You should also be able to hear the fan shifting air, if not, the viscous coupling has/is about to, fail. With the engine stopped, grip the fan blades and try and wobble them forwards and backwards, there should be NO play in the bearing. Good luck. let us know how you get on. Martin.

[milothedog]

If you can, ask the owner not to start it and warm it up before you view, check it's stone cold yourself there shouldn't be any undue tapping or rattling on initial start up although the odd noisy tappet especially on the left bank is no cause for concern. Martin mentioned the anti freeze colour, there is some debate over this but many of us run our cars on modern OAT coolant (reddish) with no problems so don't dismiss a car just because of that.

Ian

[wilf]

At tick over, removing the oil filler cap should cause the engine to slow markedly and even stall. If not, the crankcase breather hoses need sorting and the carbs adjusting back to where they should be.

[barry3]

guys thank you all for your advice,that is helpfull and a triumph dolomite many years ago
had to do the shells on that thing and still blow that up ,i will make sure i get an expert view on her
got to be right,barry