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Jun 16, 2014 2:29 pm
Jun 16, 2014 2:29 pm
Subject: Re: 4.5 litre engine problems and upgrades
My LG6 has a S4 Meadows engine. The previous owner had the engine rebuilt with TRW pistons...after 500 miles, it seized. I gather the problem was that these (Volvo?) pistons were to the correct tolerance for the bores, but no allowance had been made for the much longer stroke on the Meadows compared with the Volvo application. Because of the longer stroke in the Meadows engine, the pistons would not be getting the quantities of lubricating AND COOLING oil, meaning they would run hotter than intended, expand more...and seize.
The rebuilder's remedy was to bore the bores out somewhat. To be honest, whilst the rebuilders were vintage engine specialists, they certainly weren't Meadows specialists, so the result is I have an engine that doesn't overheat or seize, but it's down on power and uses a lot of oil...yes, in other words a new worn out engine, in effect! I think the rebuilders were correct with their remedy, but overdosed! As far as I know, no modifications have been made to the engine cooling circuit, but the car is a special and a specially made sloping radiator has been fitted.
Laurence
My LG6 has a S4 Meadows engine. The previous owner had the engine rebuilt with TRW pistons...after 500 miles, it seized. I gather the problem was that these (Volvo?) pistons were to the correct tolerance for the bores, but no allowance had been made for the much longer stroke on the Meadows compared with the Volvo application. Because of the longer stroke in the Meadows engine, the pistons would not be getting the quantities of lubricating AND COOLING oil, meaning they would run hotter than intended, expand more...and seize.
The rebuilder's remedy was to bore the bores out somewhat. To be honest, whilst the rebuilders were vintage engine specialists, they certainly weren't Meadows specialists, so the result is I have an engine that doesn't overheat or seize, but it's down on power and uses a lot of oil...yes, in other words a new worn out engine, in effect! I think the rebuilders were correct with their remedy, but overdosed! As far as I know, no modifications have been made to the engine cooling circuit, but the car is a special and a specially made sloping radiator has been fitted.
Laurence