Well, we ripped into my bhg project last weekend, and after 12 hours I was ready to send my head to the machine shop - just got it back last night. I have noticed a couple of things that I want to take care of while the engine's apart, but could use a few suggestions.
The main thing is that there is a dry, thin coating that begins on the back side of the throttle valve and continues into the head. The pattern makes it look like it was slowly deposited over time and the buildup is completely dry - carburator cleaner is doing a good job of cleaning it up. The guy at the machine shop thought the source could either be oil from the turbo charger or coming through the PCV due to "crankcase issues".
Main question is whether there is a way for me to diagnose and take care of the problem right now? Could there be another reason for the buildup, and is it normal as engines age (i.e. is it really a problem - car ran great b4 I ripped it apart, and even in spite of the bhg). I can post a picture or two tonight if it would help.
Other observations: I noticed a little corrosion/pitting on the front of the throttle valve which concerned me a little. I also had to scrap off a fairly thick layer of oil sludge from the inside of the valve covers (#3 center cover was completely shot and had allowed oil to leak and cover all 6 spark plugs. New one is due in today). Finally, a couple of fins on the compressor side of the turbo had a few small dings in them, although I had no indication of a turbo problem.
This is supposed to be a recent JDM swap and I know that there are no guarantees on mileage, but I am starting to wonder if this thing didn't have an ass load more than the supposed 40K or so they are supposed to have. I'm over budget on the project and considering finishing this job and selling the car. I hate to do this because it was I really wanted and spent more than 2 months to finding, but will get rid of it if I need to; unless, of course, these are typical problems you have all seen and not much to worry about. Let me know what you think, and thanks for your help.
Kurt
The main thing is that there is a dry, thin coating that begins on the back side of the throttle valve and continues into the head. The pattern makes it look like it was slowly deposited over time and the buildup is completely dry - carburator cleaner is doing a good job of cleaning it up. The guy at the machine shop thought the source could either be oil from the turbo charger or coming through the PCV due to "crankcase issues".
Main question is whether there is a way for me to diagnose and take care of the problem right now? Could there be another reason for the buildup, and is it normal as engines age (i.e. is it really a problem - car ran great b4 I ripped it apart, and even in spite of the bhg). I can post a picture or two tonight if it would help.
Other observations: I noticed a little corrosion/pitting on the front of the throttle valve which concerned me a little. I also had to scrap off a fairly thick layer of oil sludge from the inside of the valve covers (#3 center cover was completely shot and had allowed oil to leak and cover all 6 spark plugs. New one is due in today). Finally, a couple of fins on the compressor side of the turbo had a few small dings in them, although I had no indication of a turbo problem.
This is supposed to be a recent JDM swap and I know that there are no guarantees on mileage, but I am starting to wonder if this thing didn't have an ass load more than the supposed 40K or so they are supposed to have. I'm over budget on the project and considering finishing this job and selling the car. I hate to do this because it was I really wanted and spent more than 2 months to finding, but will get rid of it if I need to; unless, of course, these are typical problems you have all seen and not much to worry about. Let me know what you think, and thanks for your help.
Kurt
