So, I figured out what killed the snot rocket in Blytheville. I dropped a valve. Grr. In addition to the pistons and head both being destroyed, it gouged a couple of cylinder bores pretty bad. I was already overbored .5mm, and going further means custom pistons, plus weaker walls.
I may just find another block and build it, but I am wondering about sleeving this one. Darton sleeves look to run ~$600. Is there a better option? Any chance of DIY'ing these? I have access to normal knee mills, but not engine block specific machines. Looks like it's anywhere from $1000 - $1500 installed price. At that price, I'll probably just build another block. At $600 + DIY, I might just sleeve this one.
For $300 you can get a relatively good d16 block, bored/honed, and then make your own mid-sleeves using Devcon liquid aluminum.
sobe_death wrote:
For $300 you can get a relatively good d16 block, bored/honed, and then make your own mid-sleeves using Devcon liquid aluminum.
I'm not talking about a block guard (already have a welded in Golden Eagle in the fubared block), I'm talking about replacement sleeves.
The first time I went into the D4RE engine in my Neon, the HG had leaked (in the usual place.. #4), the coolant entering the cylinder had become super-heated, and pitted the wall. Feeling like I didn't want to spring for a whole new set of pistons, I had my machine shop sleeve just that one hole to OEM specs. They only charged me $90, and it worked perfectly.
I guess it all comes down to whether the sleeve job will cost as much as a new set of pistons, and the PIA of swapping them to the stock rods (not always an option; you may have to buy new rods as well). If it would cost in the range you speak of, then a new block is in order (or new rods and pistons, which gets into mucho moolah).
I realize Atlanta shops are gonna charge more, but if you need a line on a good, cheaper one in Macon, I can sure set you up.
I've had a couple blocks sleeved, including a Lotus TC (Ford Kent). It ain't no big deal, and if you already have a bunch in to the block with a welded in Golden Eagle (whatever that is), then it would probably be cheaper to sleeve what you have rather than start over. They just bore out the block, put the sleeves in, bore and hone the sleeves to fit. Costs vary, but factoring in inflation, $50-90 a hole would be a ballpark price, I'd think.
I've not had a wet liner block like the D16 sleeved, but have had numerous Chevy and Ford V-8's sleeved, and like the others have said, it's not a big deal. So unless there's something unique to the D16, I would go that route.
I was considering nice high-zoot sleeves like Bensons, Golden Eagles, etc. They machine out all of the aluminum and the iron liner and replace it all with a new iron cylinder.
I honestly wasn't familiar with repair sleeves. I suppose that is an option. Hmm...
Thread hijack kinda
Are those block guards any good for high performance Honda engines? I saw one place that had some reason not to use them. Opinions.
96DXCivic wrote:
Thread hijack kinda
Are those block guards any good for high performance Honda engines? I saw one place that had some reason not to use them. Opinions.
Opinions differ. I ran a GE one like Dave due to possibly limiting sleeve shift (and thus reducing headgasket issues) in the smaller D motors. Not something I'd bother with in a B/K/F etc....
The only lined block I've owned came in a Vega. 
It's just machining Dave. Warm the block, put the sleeve in dry ice, push gently.
Dan
If you autocross your car in S or ST, you might not want to mention that you have sleeved cylinders.. it will land you in SP or SM, though I can't imagine why. I don't see any advantage gained from having a repair sleeve done back to stock specs..
96DXCivic wrote:
Thread hijack kinda
Are those block guards any good for high performance Honda engines? I saw one place that had some reason not to use them. Opinions.
i read somewhere that they cause dropped valves...
i have installed all kinds of engine sleeves, some are easy, and some are a lot of work, and a damn good vertical mill.
done 2 honda one a 16, the other an 18, usin darton sleeves , and they are a lot of carefull labor.
dependin on the shop, some have the experince, some dont ,,ask if they are familier with the operations.
you dont want a coolant leak INTERNALLY, after a month or so. Dartons have large O-ring seals at the bottom of liner, YUP gotta be careful, thats why costs so much,its all about the liability and redo work that could come back.
for instance, a job came in thay nobody in city would touch.
a Lambo diablo V12, well needed 2 sleeves put in, nobody wanted to do it, because if block got destroyed a new bare block cost $21,000. US.
YES, i did it, came out perfect, 10yrs still runnin .
and no,, im retired and dont have a shop any more.
