Piston slap, poor TF :(

[Benjamin]

Hi all,

I spent most of Sunday morning pulling my TF engine apart to find both types of damage I suspected. She had been rattling like crazy and losing power at a rate of a few hp every week.

I suppose it hasn't helped that the previous (lady) owner had cooked her (and made what looks like a half-assed repair), and then the poor thing gets a fair hiding from me

Firstly the camchain had about 0.5-1mm slop, not taken up by the tensioner, urk.

Secondly, I have never seen so much piston slap in my life (well, except for the clapped out Victa 70 lawnmower . I would have to say there was between 0.5-1mm slap side to side AND fore and aft!

So, the plan is to take the TF head in (about 5 minutes time) get a cam regrind and a fair head shave and plonk that on top of the block from my TX. Even after 60-80,000Km the TX block is in top nick. Pistons are tight as a drum, bores are nice and smooth and camchain is good.

Considering the TX was getting around 60Kw@rw without any headwork (32/36 DGV and extractors, about 9.2:1 comp) I should gain a few more neddies with bumped up compression (aiming for max on PULP) and additional work.

I should be back on the road in 2 weeks at most (hopefully) which should give me some time to cruise her around before heading to Melbourne for a cruise. Speaking of which, 9/10th is good for me, Deb suggested 10th and I am happy with that (all things going to plan)

Cheers