Turning over an engine that's sat for 20 years.

[MrMold]

I recently purchased my Beta Zagato a few weeks ago from a good friend that was cleaning out her recently passed grandmother. The car was more or less given to me. It's been sitting for about 20 years. I've just started to dig into the engine (which only has around 14,000 mi on it). My question is: Is there any way to see down into the cylinders to see how bad rust might be or should I just start taking everything apart at this point? This is my first project car. I've mainly only worked on motorcycles before this.

[MattNoVAT]

I would take the road wheel off on the cam-belt side and put a big socket on the crank nut and see if it turns with a breaker bar or if it's seized.

Or if you have a bore scope take the plugs out and have a peek.


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[HFStuart]

Some diesel down the bores for a few days before you try to turn it over can help loosen things too.

Rocking he car in gear will give you an idea if it's free if you don't have a socket for the crank nut.

Whatever you do don't try to turn it on the starter until you've replaced the cambelt

[rossocorsa]

You can buy very cheap bore scopes from China that you can use with a laptop and they are not bad maybe worth investing? Tbh though if standing off all that time I'd strip it to avoid the risk of unseen damage it might turn and actually run but ......

[MrMold]

OK. Good news. No rust in the cylinders. I'm about ready to turn the crankshaft nut, but here's my question. What direction do i need to turn? I'm thinking it's clockwise, but I'd like some verification. Also, does anyone know what size socket this nut is?

[rossocorsa]

OK. Good news. No rust in the cylinders. I'm about ready to turn the crankshaft nut, but here's my question. What direction do i need to turn? I'm thinking it's clockwise, but I'd like some verification. Also, does anyone know what size socket this nut is?

38mm which is near as dammit 1.5 inch

[MattNoVAT]

If your facing the crank nut, turn it clockwise.

I rotate the crank nut through three full rotations to be sure everything is ok.


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[MrMold]

HA! The engine turned like butter. I never thought it would turn so smooth........Now for the timing belt. Does anyone have a part# for the belt and is there a step by step process for changing it that anyone might be able to help me with? I've done timing belts before, but I've always have had some guides.

[MattNoVAT]

The Haynes book of lies isn't too bad, but ideally you'll need the special tool for locking the cams in position.


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[HFStuart]

Does anyone have a part# for the belt and is there a step by step process for changing it that anyone might be able to help me with? I've done timing belts before, but I've always have had some guides.

This post should just about cover it!

http://www.lanciabeta.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1321.msg7482#msg7482

I'd  strongly recommend replacing the tensioner bearing at the same time.

[MrMold]

I need to replace my ignition lock here soon. I have a replacement, but I'm a bit baffled by the bolts that hold the lock in place.



Does anyone know how to remove these?

[HFStuart]

They are shear bolts - the hex heads break off when they are tightened up.

The best bet is to drill them out  - either fully or enough to get an extractor in them.

[gengis]

I've had success with a small chisel, or old screwdriver just to knock them anti-clockwise, they usually go without too much resistance.

[MrMold]

Ok. I'm ready to get to the timing / cam belt. I'm trying to get the cover off, but the fuel lines seem to be in the way. Should I just disconnect them or remove the fuel rail with the injectors? All the manuals that I have show timing the engine with the engine out of the car. I need to know how to do it with the engine still in. Any help would be appreciated.

[Neil-yaj396]

Long time ago since I did the belt on my injection Beta, but I know I didn't have to disconnect the fuel lines. Once the cam belt cover is off I recall you can push them out of the way?

Plenty of links on here about changing the belt.