Head Gaskets Options

[brandomc]

I bought a engine last week that was supposedly a 1.7, but the guy didnt really know for sure. After looking at the case numbers, I think it might be a 1.8?? It starts with EB. I took all of the sheetmetal off to repaint it, and everything is really clean accept for around 1 of the cylinders between the head and the cylinder, it is black and kindof oily. I figure this is a leaky cylinder. Do i need new head gaskets? Or just retorque the head? Where do i get head gaskets? Pelican parts doesnt sell them. What should i do with this? It is supposed to be a fairly low mileage engine. Thanks

[McMark]

The EB motor is the lowest compression 1.7, too. It's 7.3:1 and 72hp, whereas all the other 1.7s are 8.2:1 and 80hp.

If you want to quickly boost the compression on an old motor, pull the heads, pistons and cylinders. Have the valves ground on the heads and the sealing/mating surface trued. Have the cylinders honed and get a new set of rings for the pistons. Reassemble without the head gaskets (IMHO) and you should have good compression as long as the cam is not too far gone.

BUT, the above is not a real rebuild and you are spending money to buy some time. Dropped valve seats are still a real possibility that can wipe out every penny you spent doing the above. It's a gamble, but it'll get you on the road.