Small End Failure

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Andy Jones
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Just been rescued from the M23 following an engine failure. Total loss of power and some noise/smoke at 70. Popped the bonnet on the hard shoulder to see a small end has come through the engine casing. It's a 460 230GE Auto. I've not had a chance to investigate further but it will need a new lower engine at least! 

If anyone has any leads on good (maybe recon) engine supplies for this model. I'm all ears.

I had completed a top end rebuild and new timing chain 3000 miles ago so I'll be having a look to see whether this G can be economically salvaged. Also to see what went wrong. The engine was running very smoothly, no warning lights.

 

phileas
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Re: Small End Failure

Really sorry to hear of your peril. Unusual problem as these are generally speaking very robust engines. As it was fitted into quite a few other MB models, I imagine finding a replacement can't be too difficult. Afraid I can't help you on this matter, but I'm sure some one on this forum can. Good luck.

Andy Jones
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Re: Small End Failure

Thanks for the sympathy :) 

It is unusual but I had to stop a lot of oil leaks on the engine when I first bought it so it's possible it had been run dry and the damage was already done. I've averaged a thousand miles a year over 7 years, so it's had an easy life with me.

I got a price for refurbing the engine from Crewe engines today, it's not too bad a price but they don't have any cores or cranks at the moment so that adds a bit to the cost.

I'm leaning towards selling it as is. Someone with a garage would find it quite easy to get the engine out (I know I would). On the street in mid winter it's not funny.

 

derekfinn
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Re: Small End Failure

Hi Andy

Did you get any further on finding out what caused the failure ?

Seems odd to get no engine warning lights or other prior rough running indications for such a catastrophic failure.

But condolences on your loss. Its money out I'm afraid. sad

Andy Jones
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Re: Small End Failure

It seems likely that it had been run low on oil for some time prior to me owning it. It leaked a lot of oil when I first bought it, primarily through the oil pressure sensor, an easy fix but easy to miss.

Just speculation though, until I get it apart I wouldn't know. I had a little look under the bonnet yesterday and noticed that the conn rod has come right off and through the casing. I'll post a pic when I have one.

Still on the lookout for a 2.3 lump, doesn't even need to be running. It's quite likely I will offer the G for spares or repair though. I don't use the 4x4 facility, I needed a car to carry a lot of tools/materials and it's served well on top of being a great car to drive but there are a lot of car/van solutions out there now and I have a better budget for my business transport than I did when I opted for the G.

stig
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Re: Small End Failure
G-Restorations
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Re: Small End Failure

You have a PM

Cheers Gordon

gav.helme
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Re: Small End Failure

Gordon's buying again...

Be no petrol G's left soon :(

G-Restorations
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Re: Small End Failure

gav.helme wrote:

Gordon's buying again...

Be no petrol G's left soon :(

Doing my bit!  :-)

Spider1V
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Re: Small End Failure

gav.helme wrote:

Gordon's buying again...

Be no petrol G's left soon :(

Dunno about that......devil

 

Spider1V

Howard Green
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Re: Small End Failure

Hi Andy 

Sorry to read about your engine problem. I would be interested in buying it off you as a project if you decide to take that route.

But If I was you look around for a 230. There must be loads in scarp yards. Not a big job to change so even if you put it into a garage it shouldn't break the bank. 

 

Howard

Gandore
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Re: Small End Failure

Gordon,

You've got your work cut out for you if you venture over to this island. ; )

G-Restorations
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Re: Small End Failure

Gandore wrote:

Gordon,

You've got your work cut out for you if you venture over to this island. ; )

Thanks Gandore lots of work on engines to be had all over the world, the distance just makes it impossible.

Regards Gordon

 

Steve Kirk
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Re: Small End Failure
Andy Jones
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Re: Small End Failure

Thanks to everyone for the messages and help finding parts. I've messaged everyone who PM'd me. Thanks also Steve for a comprehensive list of the available engines and donors. I'm not able to keep a donor car on the street outside my house in Fulham and don't have anywhere else I could keep it so that option is out. 

Crewe engineering were able to source the block and crank for less than the price of the 2nd hand long blocks as well so it wouldn't be economical to ship a whole engine from germany to cover the 2 main parts required. Although it does come close.

I'm not too sure about dropping in an unknown engine, I figured recon would be the way to go. It would make the whole job more economical though.

 

 

Andy Jones
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Re: Small End Failure

Can anyone confirm that the 102.982 engine is replaceable with the 102.987. Mine is a 102.987 but they seem very rare in comparison, there may be only small differences but if it is the engine mounting points that would be a problem!!

 

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure

Awright Andy, the engine block should be the same so problem mounts won't be a problem , have u wiki'd the engine numbers? It should give u the info on all 102 motors except the 987 ! Whats all that about ....

gav.helme
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Re: Small End Failure

M102.987 is the later 460 2.3 Injection specific to the G - Hydraulic Tappet

M102.981 is the earlier 460 2.3 Injection version of the same G motor  - Mechanical Tappet

M102.989 is the late 463 230GE 2.3 Injection version - rare in the UK

quite rare used as they are G only........

Any other M102.98X 2.3 Injection will do the job as all M102 blocks mount the same

Watch out for the.......... (rough guide to fitment)

M102.91X 1.8 Injection motors W201

M102.92X 2.0 Carb motors W123/W124/W201

M102.93X 2.0 Carb motors W123/W201

M102.94X 2.3 Carb motors T1 Van

M102.95X 2.0 Injection motors - G Specific W460 and very rare in the UK

M102.96X 2.0 Injection motors W201/W124/W460

M102.97X 2.3 Injection motor G Specific W463 and very rare again

M102.98X 2.3 Injection motor W124/W201/W463

All these are either early Standard Belt / Mech Tappet or late Multi V Belt and Hydraulic tappet version

M102.99X are the 2.3 and 2.5 16 Valve motors in there various DTM style incarnations W201 or...

M102.99X are the 2.0 and 2.3 24 Volt motors again G Specific W460

Gav

 

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure
It got an engine swap
scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure

windscreen frame now replaced, all rot has now been removed

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure

body prep now underway......

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure

more prep today, wings refurbished, loads of zinc rich primer, stone guard and seam sealer, gonna pop rest of windows prior to topcoat.......

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure
As I said......
scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure

More progress.....

 

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure
Its off for mot 2mora and requies alloys and original bumper to be refitted otherwise its all done now
g wagon g
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Re: Small End Failure

Good man

g wagon g
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Re: Small End Failure

gav.helme wrote:

Gordon's buying again...

Be no petrol G's left soon :(

Help the guy get a good fix i recon and some good advise on how to get the g back on road cheaply as possible with long term durability

Not to buy cheap for profit surely ??????/

Im confused

                           Gaz

scouse g
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Re: Small End Failure
I bought it and it was going to be a keeper but a friend of mine off this forum hounded me for it and we done all the work, kept car original and the 230 motor isn't too bad in a swb, will have another project starting next week