Engine mecchanic specialist in Sierra DOHC units

[Guest Merlin]

I have a Merlin Kit Car that uses a Ford Sierra, 2.0L Efi, DOHC donor vehicle.

There was a very small leak coming from the cylinder head so I decided to remove the engine and get a local garage to repair and relace the Cylinder Head Gasket. Re-installing the engine, she started on second try, so I went away for 30 minutes with a cup of tea to celebrate. On returning I tried to restart the engine, but she would not start. Turnig over with no signs of firing.

I know very little of the goings on with engine management systems, so need to find a specialist in the Southampton area who can diagnose and fix the issue(s) whilst helping me understand what is going on. I have years working on Motorcycles, Moggies, converting Generator to Alternator systems, but no knowleadge of EMS.

Is there someone in the Southampton who you feel could assist me please. Maybe we could have Engineers and Mechanics who could produce informative articles...

Thanks, Merlin

[nelmo]

Apologies if I am being harsh but your post is very weird...

You removed and re-installed the engine yourself but couldn't change a head gasket? Do you even need to remove the engine to change a head gasket - can't it be done with the engine in the car (I'm sure I could with my Zetec)?

You took the engine to 'repair and replace the head gasket'  

'Maybe we could have Engineers and Mechanics who could produce informative articles' ? What the heck does that mean? 

I really am sorry if I'm being offensive but this reads like one of those Nigerian Prince scams 

I'm sure someone nicer and more informed than me will come along soon to help...

 

[Guest Merlin]

Sorry, did not mean to wind anyone up:

I was advised after suffering a blown head gasket to get both the cylinder head and the block skimmed, especially as this type of engine suffers from overheating issues.

So that's what I did. (There were studs that sheared off during the work).

Informative articles: The website suggest "a wealth of information at your fingertips". I am always keen to read article from mechanics on all forms of work on cars and this website seems to be a great basis on which to gain knowledge. There are other issues surrounding my decision to remove the engine as other work needed to be done on the chassis.

I also have Parkinson's Disease, and being on my own, everything for me takes a long time to complete.

I am sorry for causing you to think this is one of those scams, I apologise, it will not happen again. I end my membership.

Merlin

[nelmo]

See, now I've gone and done it and feel like an arse  

Pretty impressive to do any work on a car with Parkinsons, if that helps? 

[Guest Merlin]

Thanks for the mail.

Parkinsons has changed my life, everyday the things I used to do are getting slowly taken away from me. I have stopped teaching and sold my BMW R1200 Motorbike. I just sold my car and now just have the Merlin. Downstairs Office is now being converted into a Bedroom and Wet Room. One day I will lose my licence.

Please do not feel bad, I should have stated my condition in the first instance, but it takes an age to put words together and I'm not for shouting out my condition on the Internet. I am looking forward to getting the Merlin back on the road and get some enjoyment from it before that time comes.

I will contact a local mobile mechanic who can come round and get the old Merlin running again. Thanks for writing back, I wish you well.

Merlin

[kevin the chicken]

Might it just be something you disturbed when the engine was removed or replaced? I'm thinking a kinked fuel line or a piece of muck on a filter. I it was running  and then stopped so more likely to be something basic. Loose wiring plug, lead or strap? I think you are thinking the worst when hopefully it's much more simple 

[Longboarder]

This sounds like an ideal case for a home visit from local members in the Hampshire area. Probably a simple problem but the dearth of clues suggests a logical comprehensive checking process to diagnose. As it has run since rebuild it is almost certainly a simple fix.

I'm 71 and currently being investigated for a neurological problem, ? Parkinsons. Distressing to start a simple job on the car and find what you did easily a couple of years ago either takes forever or you just can't do it anymore.

Edited August 29, 2019 by Longboarder

[Guest Merlin]

Thanks for that Longboarder, Kevin the Chicken (where do you get these names from?, great!), - agrees with what you say, so I'll get to it shortly. Thanks Kevin.

I agree with your sentiments, we got given it, nothing we did wrong., Love your thought for the week,- priceless!!

[Guest Merlin]

Starting issue solved.

Thanks Kevin the Chicken and Longboarder for your advice. It was the Crank angle sensor, not fully plugged in. Started first time after that.

Looking forward to completing the work and getting back on the road.

Thanks everyone for your time,

Merlin.