B20 engine self repair

majspoons · Post by **majspoons** » 18 Oct 2012, 08:43

Heres a poser for ya. Yesterday while my 1800es was at idle there was a loud mettalic "ping" from under the hood, and the engine started clattering and running as if it had swallowed a valve. I removed the valve cover to look for the guilty part, but they were all in place. Afterward I could only get the engine restated by spraying a little ether into each cylinder. Here's the dillema: now, without any additional repair or adjustment from me it starts and run's like its never had a bad day in it's life. Any insight to this "Christine" like behavior would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **rmmagow** » 19 Oct 2012, 08:31

I'd check the ignition components and the air cleaner setup. I don't know this car or engine but is it possible for something o come off the air cleaner assembly and get sucked through? Small washer or some such? Ignition, rotor or cap problem, cracks etc?

Post by **jimmy57** » 19 Oct 2012, 08:48

If the car is rarely run or if it was run briefly the time before this event, the valve stem(s) may have rusted a bit and it had a sticking valve not closing fully. After it ran a bit it freed up and the oiling from rocker arms got it lubed and it's OK.

Post by **JDS60R** » 19 Oct 2012, 09:45

I have also seem the "barely stuck valve" issue as well as the front crank bearing shell being spun out. I have only seen the bearing spin once vs the valve sticking multiple times.

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 20 Oct 2012, 22:34

Had a Renault R10 that used to do exactly what you described, turns out it was chewing up piston rings.
Hope yours is only a sticky valve.

Valvster

majspoons · Post by **majspoons** » 26 Oct 2012, 17:00

Thanks for the input guy's. The sticking valve idea would be likely if the car sat a lot, but it's my daily driver. She get's her oil changed and a new Mann oil filter every 3k. As far as the ring's breaking up ( I had a Dauphine that did the same thing) the engine was rebuilt 70k miles ago with new alloy pistons and molly ring's. I'm so frustrated with this "tractor" motor that I'm about to yank it out and put a V6 Chevy in it's place. Someone stop me before I do.