engine conversion

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barry badger
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engine conversion

Post by barry badger »

my tzd has been off the road for some time now due to a smokey engine, i would like to convert it to a 1.9 na as i have a good low mileage one (although i've taken the pump and injectors off it and put them on my txd). does anyone have any experience of insuring a modified car which has actually been downgraded.
1993 tzd estate, on sorn
1992 tzd estate, slowly being raided for parts
1992 txd estate, "doom blue" on the road
1991 4x4 estate, on sorn
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Re: engine conversion

Post by Defender110 »

Personally I wouldn't bother telling them as they would never know the difference and they certainly won't make your premiums any cheaper so there would be nothing to be gained.
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Re: engine conversion

Post by rutter123 »

Ditto that..
Or I have a t/d complete bottom end if you think its the bores that are worn. My Smokey t/d was cured with a turbo rebuild.
Pretty straightforward swap tho as most stuff is in same position on diesels
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jamescarruthers
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Re: engine conversion

Post by jamescarruthers »

Have you considered that you might die of old age before reaching your destination in a N/A 1.9 Diesel BX?! :-D
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Re: engine conversion

Post by rutter123 »

Yes I must admit swapping an engine with one that has 50% less power goes against the grain somewhat.
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Tim Leech
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Re: engine conversion

Post by Tim Leech »

What's causing the smoke, maybe a cylinder head swap would make a difference and be easier?
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Re: engine conversion

Post by Philip Chidlow »

Is it unburnt fuel? Smoke could be pump issue.
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barry badger
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Re: engine conversion

Post by barry badger »

The smoke is blue ( diesel ) i've compression tested it, the compressions are reasonable, i've posted them on here somewhere. i bought an injector tester and went through all my stock of td injectors to get 4 good ones. i've adjusted the pump timing to its best position although not using anything other than best guess( i've spent hours on this ) . the only thing i havent changed is the pump but im struggling to see how the pump can cause blue smoke if its timed ok. i could take the head off it to check the combustion chambers arent loose or the ports arent clogged but as it needs a clutch anyway it would be just as easy to fit another engine which i know is good. 71hp does me, what's the hurry!
1993 tzd estate, on sorn
1992 tzd estate, slowly being raided for parts
1992 txd estate, "doom blue" on the road
1991 4x4 estate, on sorn
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Jaba
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Re: engine conversion

Post by Jaba »

I thought that blue smoke was burning oil not unburnt diesel (grey smoke). If it is oil then the turbo is the first suspect.
I have been through all this in my BX time. I reconditioned a turbo which when fitted made no difference to the smoke. I finally fitted another cylinder head to cure it.
As far as insurance is concerned if its on a classic policy and in the very unlikely event that they double the premium then it will still be cheap insurance.
I seem to recall that Mat Fenwick upgraded his estate with a 1.9 turbo engine and was not charged a much higher premium. So go for it Barry.
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Re: engine conversion

Post by Defender110 »

Yes blue smoke is burning engine oil pointing to piston rings / bores. Black smoke diesel,white smoke water in fuel etc.
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Re: engine conversion

Post by Vanny »

Green smoke, lhm from rear brake curly pipes 😁🤣
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Re: engine conversion

Post by rutter123 »

Green smoke means you've put the LHM in the wrong tank.
90 BX Tzd turbo 294k SORN undergoing major surgery
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barry badger
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Re: engine conversion

Post by barry badger »

I was convinced the smoke is diesel as poor injection can leave a blue haze and also the engine did use very little oil. Having said that the blue smoke only starts as the engine warms up, i'm not so sure now, maybe it could be oil, for the past few years it has given a small puff of blue on changing gear.
1993 tzd estate, on sorn
1992 tzd estate, slowly being raided for parts
1992 txd estate, "doom blue" on the road
1991 4x4 estate, on sorn
rutter123
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Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2012 9:54 pm
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My Cars: 90 Bx Tzd turbo ven red 295k
74 D Super 5 black
05 Volvo V50 2.0d 180k
65 Peugeot Boxer work van 280k
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Re: engine conversion

Post by rutter123 »

Could be something as simple as a seal in the pump or worn valve guides/seals, if yr compression is within the limits, have you tried swapping the pump for a known goodun? Which pump Bosch or CAV? Leaky boost valve, sticky waste gate, check for too much wear on the turbo spline, is your intercooler pipe full of oily residue? All worth checking.
90 BX Tzd turbo 294k SORN undergoing major surgery
90 BX Tzd turbo estate 46k awaiting surgery
65 Peugeot Boxer Van the new workhorse
52 Toyota Rav4 180k Bulletproof Jap reliability
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JayW
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Re: engine conversion

Post by JayW »

My 1.9 n/a is perfectly capable around town and cruises effortlessly. Don't know why people slate them. It also returns 65mpg on a long steady run.

I've also driven the 1.7 n/a and it is also a decent drive.

It should be remembered that a BX weighs no more than a modern city car and has equal or more power - and almost certainly more torque.
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