Using Clamped Wood to secure K-Series Cylinder Liners

[MGJohn]

Took this image when my son was working on his Lotus Elise S2. I had fitted this effectively simple device to firmly hold the Cylinder Liners in place. It will work on any K-Series engine of course. Simple to set up, works well and enables the Crankshaft to be rotated without disturbing the Cylinder Liners.

[DVandrews]

A better solution can be had by using a shortened head bolt with penny washer between cylinders 1 and 2 and a further one twixt 3 and 4, this provides unfettered access to the pistons should you wish to remove one or remove the carbon from the crowns.

Dave

[MGJohn]

DVandrews said:

A better solution can be had by using a shortened head bolt with penny washer between cylinders 1 and 2 and a further one twixt 3 and 4, this provides unfettered access to the pistons should you wish to remove one or remove the carbon from the crowns.

Dave

That's true Dave but by the time you've hunted round and got that stuff together, best part of an hour may have passed. The wood and clamps were immediately to hand.

If you really want to do the job properly, Factory Tools are available .... at a cost and then some....

[DVandrews]

The information was intended for those approaching the problem and reading this thread.

It's clear that your solution was ideal for you, wasn't knocking it....

Dave

[Steffan]

Looks a practical answer to me. Having had a number of K series engines blow up on various kit cars I have rebuilt a fair number over the years. Out of choice I would prefer to rebuild the Ford (Mazda derived in think ) Duratec and Zetec engines. I find the K series very difficult to ensure longevity in the repairs. Particularly in the rear mounted applications. Fantastic engine but fragile and not helped by being so easily affected by cooling problems. But it is the engine you have in that Vehicle and I do understand the rebuild. I do wish you well with the result.

[MGJohn]

Looking for something else, came across this image I took when working on another K-Series 1.8. This example a 1.8 Turbocharged version on an MG ZT.