engine parts supplier

[neil.henderson]

Hi,
I have decided that I need rebuild the bottom end (mains and big-ends) of my Rover P3 engine as it is making some rather unwelcome noises - the engine is a 1949 straight six (75).
So, I'll need main bearings and big-end bearings & I'm wondering if members have experience with some of the different suppliers and what their recommendations would be? Of course, maybe there is only the one supplier?

Anyway, would be very grateful for any insights, advice or recommendations.

Thanks Neil
p.s. I am in the process of also rebuilding a p3 gearbox (well, doing the bearings at least) - a new experience but very interesting - think I may be on the brink of understanding how they work for the 1st time!

[lakesrally]

Mine was done by John Wearing and is fine.

[Jolly Rogers]

Hi Neil, Next time I'm talking to my mate with the 48 S1 Land Rover I'll ask him who he went through for engine parts. He did a total rebuild of his engine a few years back, I remember they had to get some of them from the UK but there was a fair bit available here in Australia back then. I'm going to have to find out for my self at some stage anyway. Other then that if you know what size bearings you need keep an eye out on Ebay, I know I've seen a few sets of various sizes come up for the Rover/Land Rover 60 engine in the recent past. Other than that keep an eye out at the swap meets if you know what your looking for, I've seen some obscure parts for sale in the past so you never know.

Have you asked around the NSW, Qld or Vic over clubs?

Other than that and not knowing your technical background, are you sure its the bottom end that's making the noise? Have you had a chance to eliminate other components ect? Id hate to hear that you did all that work and failed to solve the problem.

Steve

Edit. I just seen your other post about the measurements you have taken. Are you talking about the same engine?

[neil.henderson]

Hi steve,
Yes, I also posted the other item on the forum regarding big-end and main bearing wear as I am unsure whether the wear I have in a spare engine means that it is beyond repair or not. If the wear I found is not too bad then I can just swap that engine with the engine currently in the car. Do you have any feedback for me on the level of wear I found?
I can't state for certain that its the bottom of the engine that's making the noise, but a friend of mine rode in the & he thinks it's the bottom end - any chance of you being near Canberra?
I do plan to do the rebuild still when I can so any info you can get me on sourcing parts for these engines would be very useful.

Cheers Neil

[Jolly Rogers]

Hi Neil, I live north of Brisbane and work on a tug in the west so Im afraid Im not that close to Canberra. However if I do make it down your way any time Ill let you know so we can try to organise a meet up. Im hopping that we can do a road trip down Sydney way towards the end of the year and include a trip to the War Memorial however that doesnt really help you in the short term.

As for your spare block, Im no expert on these rover engines however .004"/.1mm to .006"/.15mm does not seem that bad, I have no idea what the tolerance is though.
Do the bearings at least look to be in good condition, no obvious signs of damage or wiping ect?

I know my mate has been using the series one land rover and p4 manuals when it comes to working on the p3. I have a p4 manual but its at home and Im at work for the next 3 weeks. Im led to belive the early p4 75 (cyclops) engines are much the same.

What is your expected time frame for getting this work done? I realise getting the parts will be the biggest hurdle.

Sorry I cant be of more assistance at the moment.

Steve

[deckell]

Niel have you tried jim withers at jw classic car parts in melbourne,i purchased front and rear wheel bearings, oil seals and other bits and pieces may be he might have what you want. regards Derrick PS jims number 0397626025.

[neil.henderson]

Hi Derrick,
No, I wasn't aware of jim withers in Melbourne, but sounds like a very useful contact. Thanks very much for passing that on.

Regards Neil