I finally found a machine shop that was able to do a hot pressure test on my block that may have a leak behind the liner. Is it worth having the cylinders honed even though it says not to in the rave manual? I am installing new goetze piston rings that are apparently OE. I have ordered the to install cam bearings, is it easy enough for me to install, or should I have the machine shop do that as well? Is there anything else I need to have the machine shop do?

 

@evil_goat If the bores are good leave them alone, sleeves are not all that thick that is why you don't hone them as a rule

 

How do I tell if they are good? I don't see anything that looks wrong.

 

Have the machine shop install the cam bearings

 

@evil_goat rust or deep scratches are bad, generally you can tell. But this will sound a bit harsh, I think you matbe in over your head. Rebuilding an engine is pretty meticulous technical job, everything has to installed exactly right, torqued correctly and then broken in properly. None of it can be done on the "cheap" or close enough for government work.

I maybe mistaken in which case you have my apologies,but it sounds to me like you have very little experience in this area, you maybe better off having a shop put the engine back together.

If you want to do it yourself read the Rave for the procedure and watch a ton of youtube videos about each major step - just make sure it is for a pushrod V8. If there is a classic car club around where you live they may be will to offer some advice and guidance, most of their engines are the same basic pushrod design

 

@Richard Gallant I don't have experience rebuilding the bottom end of engines, but I do have experience rebuilding the top end of a Volvo engine. I came into it not knowing how to do it at first but was successful after getting help from forums like this one. I am pretty confident I can rebuild this rover engine with help from you guys about the technical details. I don't really have the money to have the machine shop build it, and I do enjoy the process of learning how to do an engine rebuild.

 

@evil_goat Well good on your for giving it a go. The bottom end and break run are the most critical to get right, screw them up and you have a nice boat anchor. Triple check everything, and as silly as it sounds checklists are your friend

 

I want to throw some emphasis on this one. It couldn't sound any less silly. People who know stuff use checklists! All have had their asses saved numerous times because of it.

 

Do you have the rover V8 overhaul/rebuild manual? Not the RAVE, this is a separate publication. It takes you through the process step by step. DM me if you don’t and I’ll link you to a copy.

 

I have the overhaul manual, but it does seem the rave manual's overhaul section is the same content.