clubstylus

(Sorry - This should prob be under the SVA section but I'm hoping it will get a better response here.)

Anyway, I can't think how to go about this one -

History: I started with a 1.8 zetec from a scrapped orion (J-reg) but no paperwork available. Unfortunately the crankshaft seized after half-a-dozen revolutions the first time I started it (much waliing and nashing of teeth). Short story - the bearing shells disintegrated and I bought a new short motor (ie. only block crank and pistons). I've skimmed and re-used the head, valves and all other parts.

Current Problem: Prior to SVA I will need to prove the age of this contraption, and I do not know how to. The new short block has its own ID tag but no other paperwork and I can't understand the code stamped on the head. I can't get a response from any ford dealers or support websites I have contacted. How do I prove that this is a pre-cat engine, or do I have to redo everything and add a cat to the exhaust? What paperwork will satisfy SVA?

Specs: 1.8 Zetec 135PS, weber-alpha 'gold' injection system (complete), SSC provided exhaust and silencer (no cat). I have what I think is the chassis number and old engine number from the orion if this helps.

Any advice greatly appreciated.
Mark

As mine was SVA'd years ago I'm not fully conversant with the 'cat' rules. However , I believe they will date the engine on the block , regardless of head age . That number should be stamped into the block where the engine bolts up to the bellhousing and just above the crank sensor. If there isn't a number on it then I'd get onto the sylva chat list and ask the same question. There are hundreds of guys on that list with all sorts of varied experience.

Don't worry mate, look here:

http://www.toyne.org.uk/docs-age.html

Straight forward, for the site itself: http://www.toyne.org.uk/zetec.html

My SVA was in Southampton

They sent me off to get a letter from Ford addressed to me stating the age of the engine.
You can tell the age of an engine from the engine no & look it up; this was not good enough for them.

I will find the contact details & post them.

Kev

Kev,

It's also on the site:

Technical Information Centre
Ford Motor Company
PO Box 300
Walsall
WS5 4QH

Fax: 01922 725 266

Found them already.

Ford Motor Co Ltd
Fax 01922 725266
Phone 0906 5533447 Was in 2004 £1 per minute.

I faxed them the engine number as I was unsure of the cost using a mobile in the day. The fax as free. They replied in writing very promptly.

I had problems as my engine number had a digit missing. So I faxed a photo to show them.This was good enogh for Fords to date & satisfied the SVA & MOT requirments, (of which I have had several issues with. due to the ignorance of the testers).

Kevin

Hey Werner you were quick.

(if this thread is still active?)
Does anyone know if a fully reconditioned block is regarded as aged at time of original manufacture or at time of reconditioning. The company I have my engine from has given it a riveted tag over where the original engine stamping should be. I haven't lifted this off yet to see if there is anything underneath.

lambostylus wrote:(if this thread is still active?)
Does anyone know if a fully reconditioned block is regarded as aged at time of original manufacture or at time of reconditioning. The company I have my engine from has given it a riveted tag over where the original engine stamping should be. I haven't lifted this off yet to see if there is anything underneath.

Intresting. I would have thought that the origonal date & engine number would stand throughout its life. Its strange that someone has fitted a stamp over the top of the manafacturers ! Its like puting new number plates on top of the old ones.
Anyway the older the engine, the more tolarent the SVA standards are. So I would try the origonal number. Unles its stolen.