Put the free craigslist engine on a stand after low leakdown numbers. Saw an odd bulge on the side of cylinder 3. I thought it was just some gunk buildup, so I picked at it with my finger and....


tldr: unusual bulges typically don't end well.

 

J.B. weld?

 

Didn't your mother ever tell you to not pick scabs? How is it supposed to heal if you keep picking at it?

 

The internals may have a few surprises also. sub'd for carnage pics.

 

In my neighborhood, fingering a crankcase has a whole different meaning...

subbing to see where this story goes

 

Well, got some interesting shrieking noises when I try and turn the motor by hand, so I pulled the head and...



I'm no expert, but I'm fairly certain the #3 piston shouldn't be stationary. I'll pull the pan during lunch, see if the rods are doing a decent pretzel impersonation.

 

 

If you actually did a leakdown test on #3, that piston is welded into the bore or there's a big hole in it. 80psi x 8.4in^2 = ~700lbs of force applied straight down on the piston

 

I'm assuming the rings are **** too. If #3 is stuck at TDC, I should've had decent leakdown numbers. Guess it's time to go over the head more thoroughly too

 

Patiently waiting for OP to upload a picture like this..

 

His should resemble a puzzle piece not a banana

 

Sound dating advice.

 

As promised, premium carnage pics:









So what are we thinking? Fresh head gasket and bolt the thing back together?

Hoping to salvage the head and the oil pan. Do the NA and NB share the same pan?



tldr; Don't be a *****, run allofit, earn glory.

 

My favorite photo was the soup of bolts & metal

 

Words to live by

 

Go to your local fab shop and have them weld the rod back together. Run all of it. Profit.

 

 

 

I was thinking more of this:



May the good Lord take a liking to ya and blow you up real soon!

 

MiataTurbo: Taking ***** and venting blocks.

Looks like the piston kissed the head a little bit, valves seem okay. What does the hive think, is the head reusable?