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Hey everyone! Just wanted to make a quick intro. My 3 series got a cracked head gasket back in July and it's probably because of the New and potential owners thread that made me want an 8, scratch that...made me need an 8. I've been reading the threads here for months now as I took it upon myself to rebuild an 8, instead of buying one at a sketchy used car dealership and having the engine need to be replaced shortly after. I figured it would be best to know exactly what went into the car, given that it can be so touchy. In any case, I'd like to thank you all for everything. All of the information on here is great! I started my project back in October with the purchase of a core, then a rolling shell, and today I finally started her up. It was a long process to get here but it's finally paid off. The car started with next to no issues. The only thing so far is the car doesn't want start hot. Am I right in assuming that is because the seals have yet to be seated, and this will resolve itself as the engine breaks in?
Part of me wishes i resurfaced the irons because I was forced to use new side seals, and the corner seals I initially used were atkins solid, but when i checked the compression it was around 70 on all faces, so I swapped those for the OEM corners. I wasn't able to check the compression again before installing the engine but from what I've read the OEM corners really do well to complete the compression, and given that the engine started pretty easily, I guess the rotary gods gave me one this time. In any case, thank you all for supplying the vast knowledge that is this forum and I hope to contribute to it in some way as I go forward. The 8 is N/A and mostly stock save (so far) for a Sohn's Adapter. I'll probably be getting the BHR ignition kit as well as the Midpipe going forward. BTW, anybody in CA know of an aftermarket CAT that I might be able to use just for the smog tests, or am I pretty much stuck with using an OEM? The CAT on my car was punched out. Glad to finally be here guys!
Below is the first engine I pulled apart and started to clean. As you can see, the carbon on the rotors was just the worst, and I ended up not being able to use the rear or intemediate iron in this engine. It looked like the rear rotor was oil starved and it caused the irons to super heat and crack, making them useless. I couldn't find those pictures though.
The shell I bought had the engine already pulled and broken down. The guy I bought it from wanted to rebuild it, but once he pulled it apart, realized he was in over his head. So I guess I pretty much made his project my own. By the looks of the engine and the very miniscule amount of carbon I found on those rotors, I'd say the second engine was much better taken care of.
I went with the Atkins side seals, so I had to clearance them all. Wasn't as annoying as I thought it might be. I believe the max clearance for mazda is .004mm so I cleared them to .002mm to give some buffer room for expansion.
Build day workshop.
Stacking it up.
Those were pictures from before I changed out the corner seals for oem. I didn't take any pictures but once I pulled it apart and cleaned it up again the rebuilding process went smoother and more efficiently. I think the second time I built it better. Anyhow, here's the big block and here's it in the car.
Once I figure out how to upload a video of the start up, I will.
