We got Bob's engine back out of the car, and torn down today.
So much for "completely rebuilt" at great expense by a "professional engine shop".......humbug........if I understand the situation correctly, the perpetrator is now out of business, so Bob won't be able to recover anything for the loss.....
Dirt and grit had been left in the oil galleries of that engine, a quantity of which ran into #1 rod bearing and destroyed it. The other bearings were damaged as well, but that #1 rod brg. failed badly enough to score the crank.
So.....I'll be sending the crank out for grinding, and I'll have all six rods reconned and the piston/rod alignment inspected and corrected as necessary. Since everything is out, now is a good time to send the crank, rod/piston assemblies, front pulley, flywheel and pressure plate along to a suitable specialist firm, to have a proper balancing job done to the engine.
At least thats what I'd prefer to do.......whether Bob can afford all that at present is another question entirely.
There may be a less costly option. We just got a complete '53 P26 Plymouth engine. If I remember correctly, the crank and rods from a 218 fit directly into a 201 and work well, if one uses 218 pistons. Maybe, if this is correct, and those parts are good on that engine, we may have an option......?
Jim, or anyone who is familiar with these, would you please check my memory on this interchange? I might be thinking of some similar interchange on the Dodge truck sixes.
Wasn't there a problem with some of the Plymouth engines of the early '50's, something about a change from forged to cast crank, and the cranks were "soft", leading to early failure?.......the so-called "soft crank specials"......I'm trying to remember......
cheers
Carla
Carla.
Did you receive my emails with the photos of the linkage?
Let me know!
Regards
Lindsay
They changed the bearings between the 1934-1941 201 and the 1942 and up 218. At least that is what I recall from looking at various catalogs. I had always assumed that meant that the crank was not interchangeable.
If they are interchangeable, I'd like to know so please post your results on it.
Lindsay,
Please post your pictures. We might all learn from them.
Thanks!
Hi, Tod,
You're right, the 201 and 218 cranks are different.
I was mistaken, thinking of another Mopar crank interchange, that of being able to use the crank, rods, and pistons from a 230 Dodge engine in a 218 block.
Lindsay, yes, I got your photo.....those appear to be the parts we need, alright....what would you like to have for the '41 throttle linkage parts?
cheers
Carla
Lindsay,
Sorry about the request to post your pictures.? I didn't realize you were working on selling parts behind the scenes.? I thought you had some information that might benefit all of us.
;D Not a problem Mark.
I would be happy to share the photos if you are interested in viewing them. They are not too exciting, but they do show the items off of the car.
I'm simply waiting on a purchase decision.