4 cylinder engine specs

[andymcp]

I have a 4 cylinder engine constructed around a Herald 13/60 block (GE prefix).  Can anyone confirm that this 'should' be a small crank, large journal camshaft item?

[egret]

That's my understanding.  It's a small crank (as in small big ends) and has no camshaft bearings, so larger camshaft journals.

[JohnD]

Did Triumph ever build an engine that had camshaft bearings?   I don't think so.  Unless we're talking rally or LeMans Spitfires.

The usual procedure if you want to fit them is to line bore the block, fit the  bearings and a camshaft with the same sized journals.  I suspect that's what Triumph would have done, if they went down that road.

John

[egret]

MK3 Spitfire engines definitely had camshaft bearings from the factory. I believe all spitfires did, but but 100% certain. Sadly I can't find photographic evidence from my recent rebuild.

[Nick Jones]

GE block is indeed small crank block without cam bearings for a large journal cam. That said, if you have/want to use a small journal cam, just fit a set of bearings as used in the Mk3 Spit (FD prefix)

I know that cam bearings were used in the FD (mk3 Spit) and in the 1300TC FWD saloon. Also maybe in the Mk2 Spit (FC) but not sure about that.

If anyone needs a GE block and crank, I have them languishing in my garage. Need machining but all on standard sizes.

[JohnD]

Ah HA!

Quote, John  Thomason, in his "Guide to Originality", P.30, Re, Mk.2 engine., "in May 1965, at FC61,0243, the block was bored out to enable cam shaft bearings  to be fitted, the cam journals remaining the same diameter."

In  his further discussion of the Mk3, 1296cc, engine, he comments that "the same ... camshaft as the Mk2 was retained " with out saying if that meant with bearings too or not.

Thanks for the correction!  I should have recalled that  while no sixes had them, two sets of Spitfire bearings may be used - mine has them!

John

Edited July 11, 2024 by JohnD

[andymcp]

Thanks guys.  That's the confirmation I was looking for! 

[rogerguzzi]

Hello All

              When I Ordered my PH2 cam from Newmans I asked for small journal and fitted bearings into the block(proper engineering in my book? not the Bean counters type?)

I still get 75psi at cold at 1,000 and 50psi when normal hot at 1,000 goes down a bit when very hot!

This is after 30,000miles so I must have done something about right?

I did open the oil ways up like it says in the Leyland tuning book! and fit solid spacers on the rocker shaft and of course blue print the pump and alter the pickup!

Roger

[spitfire6]

4 hours ago, rogerguzzi said:

Snip>>

I still get 75psi at cold at 1,000 and 50psi when normal hot at 1,000 goes down a bit when very hot!

Snip>>

Hi Roger,
what oil viscosity are you using? A 5W or 0W might help with the 75psi at cold if your oil choice is not already
Cheers,
Iain.

[rogerguzzi]

Hello Iain

                I use synthetic 10w/60

I am happy with the oil pressure and it does not go above the 75psi as the blow off valve is set right and it holds up well when hot and it is the same at the end of the season usually about 5,000/6,000 miles

I use Motul Racing Ester but with added ZZP as not sure how much is in it as standard but I am on the second year with it and all seems ok other than its a bit more prone to leaking out?

Roger

[spitfire6]

Hi,

is this the motorcycle oil?
What oil pressure are you getting at 2000, hot? 
I'm surprised if it is leaking on good seals, maybe crankcase pressure?

Cheers,
Iain.

[rogerguzzi]

Hello Iain

                    No normal motor oil  and still 70/75 psi  at hot 

Its not the seal that leaks it all the rubbish gaskets with hind sight I would just use best quality sealants and no gaskets like modern engines?

crankcase pressure maybe as I fitted a home made baffle that maybe not quite right? but the catch tank does not get much in it? plus I have a rocker cover breather to the air filter but the throttles are all very clean so not much going through there?

this is the oil I am using!

10L MANNOL Fully Synthetic Racing Engine Oil 10W-60 BMW M Sport Racing + Ester | eBay

Roger

[spitfire6]

Hi Roger,
That is a very inexpensive modern oil. High VI as well.
As it's listed as a racing oil how often do you change it?

Cheers,
Iain.

[rogerguzzi]

Hello Iain

               I change it every year or 5,000 to 6,000

As I say the oil pressure is still good at 5,000/6,000 and when normal hot just drops a bit when very hot(40/45psi)

I think Nick who is on here uses it now?

As you say it is cheap but that firm has a good reputation in Germany?

I think Castrol etc are over priced and no better just lots of advertising?

Roger

ps off on Tuesday with a TR4  2 TR6's and a TR7 plus us in Spitty for an Alpine Adventure and taking in the Shlumph collection and French Railway museum on the way we are going to do the Stelvio pass and about 10+ others!!!

What could possibly go wrong???

[Nick Jones]

17 hours ago, rogerguzzi said:

I think Nick who is on here uses it now?

Yes. Don’t find the oil pressure much different from Valvoline VR1 20/50 but it doesn’t seem to go black so quickly.

Not a huge fan of the Stelvio. Visually impressive, but not much fun to drive as usually clogged with bikes and camper vans.