This 1934 Rolls Royce 20/25 had been sitting since 1986 when the head was removed to address some weak exhaust manifold studs. During this time mice and moisture had entered the engine corroding the internal surfaces. Our client asked us to remove the engine, remove the sump and evaluate the internals to determine the level of damage. After reviewing our findings, it was decided to completely disassemble the engine then clean and reassemble using new parts as necessary. The bearing surfaces will be evaluated prior to re-assembly but the initial inspection showed little wear since the last rebuild was done.
Update: After disassembling the engine it was clear that full engine rebuild was required. The owner is lucky that the previous shop was unable to free the engine by soaking the cylinders in penetrating oil. If the engine had been started the existing corrosion would have acted like sandpaper in every bearing and wear surface required substantial additional work.
Every piece and passageway of this engine was cleaned. Parts were refurbished or replaced as needed. The cooper tubes within the cylinder block were removed to allow proper de-scaling of the water jacket. New tubes were then hand swaged back in place. The cylinder walls had been previously bored to their limit during the last rebuild. Unfortunately, this meant that the cylinder block had to be re-sleeved due to the additional damage done by the corrosion. New pistons to standard size were also sourced.
The engine is now in the final stages of reassembly and will hopefully be running in our engine test stand soon.
Update: Engine assembly is complete. New clutch linings and clutch plate have been installed. Engine has been tested on the engine run stand and has been re-installed in the car. Work has now moved to concentrate on the remainder of the drivetrain (axles, brakes and gearbox).
