Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Tom999w on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 12:18:11 PM

Title: The engine is seized.
Post by: Tom999w on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 12:18:11 PM
The engine is seized on the project car I just bought. Three spark plugs are finger tight and one is missing. So my question is, when these engines seize (I'm assuming it seized from sitting many years, not because it was driven incorrectly), is the source of the seizing usually on the bottom end or the top end? I've had boat motors that seized up over the winter and was always able to crack them loose with some marvel mystery oil, then they'd run great. But if the source of the seizing in this Europa is possibly on the bottom end then I'll have to pull the engine out for a rebuild...
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: dakazman on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 12:44:28 PM
 Tom,

   My last 3 were cracked pistons, if its a project car I would go for piece of mind and tear down the engine. There are many, REALLY
 EXCELLENT Engine builders here. It would be a shame to go through all of a rebuild and then blow an engine. I had no choice not driving mine before the rebuild but found that 50 year old freeze out plugs and paper seals just don't last, amoung other items..

   Dakazman
     
   
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: 4129R on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 01:13:56 PM
Rust in the bores stopping the pistons moving.

Two bores in my last rebuild were so bad, I had to have new standard bore liners put in, but the pistons were fine after careful cleaning.
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: MRN I J on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 01:40:01 PM
The engine is seized on the project car I just bought. Three spark plugs are finger tight and one is missing. So my question is, when these engines seize (I'm assuming it seized from sitting many years, not because it was driven incorrectly), is the source of the seizing usually on the bottom end or the top end? I've had boat motors that seized up over the winter and was always able to crack them loose with some marvel mystery oil, then they'd run great. But if the source of the seizing in this Europa is possibly on the bottom end then I'll have to pull the engine out for a rebuild...

Renault ot TC ?
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: Tom999w on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 03:11:35 PM
It's a Type 65 S2 Renault engine..
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: Richard48Y on Sunday,January 23, 2022, 05:30:00 PM
You have an advantage over the TC's.
Removable cylinder sleeves and aluminum block/head.  :)
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: TVrebel on Thursday,May 05, 2022, 12:29:16 PM
Need HELP!
I bought a 71 Europa S2 with a Renault 16 1.6L and I went to do a compression test and had 70, 80, 70, 80. I want a total rebuild from lower end to top end kit (all gaskets, rings, rod bearings, cam bearings, wrist pins ect. ect. I am having trouble finding an overhaul kit. Can anyone steer me to the right place to buy this kit or does anyone even make one.
Thanks for you help.
PS This is the tag on the left side of the block. Can anyone tell me what its for.
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: TVrebel on Thursday,May 05, 2022, 12:48:30 PM
Can anyone tell me what this tag means.
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: GavinT on Thursday,May 05, 2022, 01:56:13 PM
G'day, TV,

The 697-xx indicates it's a 1470cc engine as fitted to Euro cars.
Federal cars were fitted with 821-xx engines which were 1565cc.

Given you're rebuilding the engine, I'd suggest removing the head so as to be able to measure pistons and valves etc. to be absolutely sure what you have.
The low compression may indicate it's a stock Renault engine.
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: jbcollier on Thursday,May 05, 2022, 04:06:58 PM
Strip it down, check it all out and make a list of everything you need.  We can recommend suppliers based on your location and what you need.

These are not small block Chevs or Fords where you can order kits.
Title: TC transaxle for sale
Post by: TVrebel on Tuesday,May 10, 2022, 02:39:28 PM
Anyone know where I can pick up a TC transaxle for a Zetec conversion on my S2.

Bill
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,May 10, 2022, 02:41:41 PM
Just be warned it is a VERY tight fit and will, at the least, have to make an access panel in the firewall.
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: TVrebel on Tuesday,May 10, 2022, 02:46:23 PM
Thanks for the advice. I might be coming back to ask questions in the near future. I hope that might be OK.
TVrebel
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: Richard48Y on Saturday,November 26, 2022, 04:01:39 PM
Any update here?
I am in the process of rebuilding my Renault based engine.
At first parts were difficult but I have been able to find resources for everything now.
The Renault engine is a jewel in many ways.
You can increase displacement pretty easily since it is a wet-sleeve engine.
Exchange rates are very good right now.
I am rooting for you to retain the Renault engine which will go a long way toward the car NOT becoming another stalled project.
Title: Re: TC transaxle for sale
Post by: BDA on Saturday,November 26, 2022, 04:51:25 PM
Anyone know where I can pick up a TC transaxle for a Zetec conversion on my S2.

Bill

Lotus Supplies sells NG3 Renault trannies (https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/gearbox/renault-gearbox/gearbox-ng3-s-13/ ) including shift linkage you’ll need a TC bell housing (I think they are reproductions) which they also sell but you may be able to find one cheaper. Apparently, Zetecs had different bell housing bolt pattern, something I was surprised to hear, so you should check that yours has the Kent bell housing bolt pattern.
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: Bryan Boyle on Saturday,November 26, 2022, 05:54:12 PM
Anyone know where I can pick up a TC transaxle for a Zetec conversion on my S2.

Bill

Lotus Supplies sells NG3 Renault trannies (https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/gearbox/renault-gearbox/gearbox-ng3-s-13/ ) including shift linkage you’ll need a TC bell housing (I think they are reproductions) which they also sell but you may be able to find one cheaper. Apparently, Zetecs had different bell housing bolt pattern, something I was surprised to hear, so you should check that yours has the Kent bell housing bolt pattern.

Jim: going to assume this is a refreshed/rebuilt 365?  Just wondering...and spitballing...
Title: Re: The engine is seized.
Post by: BDA on Saturday,November 26, 2022, 06:41:58 PM
No. The NG3 comes from a Renault Turbo Fuego. No Lotus-only parts made of unobtainium. It had a more recent production run so parts are more readily available. I have one in my car.