Is this bad or really bad?

[2mAn]

Opted to take a fun run with my brother yesterday up to Palomar Mountain and was having a blast until....motor suddenly dies. Luckily we were on our way down, so I was able to roll the rest of the way down. I tried to start it a few times and got nothing. Got to the safe spot at the end of the road and was able to get it started but it didn’t sound good so I shut it down.



Once it cooled down I pulled the valve cover because I thought the noise sounded like it came from the top end. Didn’t see anything, do you?





And here’s a video I made my brother take while I got it started
Untitled by Simon Tuman, on Flickr

So, is this bad or really bad?

[Linda]

Stay calm!
Check the wiring.....
Coil wire intact?
Starter wire intact?
Driver side inside connectors at firewall, connected?
Ignition switch wires intact?
Fuses blown?
Any smell of burning wires?
Vapor lock?
Got gas?
Got coolant?
Fuel filter blocked?
Gas tank blocked?
Are you charging, what is battery reading?
BTDT on above

Just listened to video, it runs but does sound nasty..
Get it towed if you aren’t sure if it is running correctly
Good luck
Linda

[2mAn]

It runs. The last image is actually a video if you click on it

[Gregs672000]

I see no problems with the pics.
First, I failure like what you describe sounds more like spark or fuel than mechanical. Usually an engine does not suddenly die mechanically without a bang. Usually. I had a Ford Escort engine self destruct at idle (dropped a valve seat) but even then it was obviously mechanically damaged when I looked it over (metal in the intake, no compression, rattling noises). It had also been tapping for a day or so before it died.
The poor running on restart could be a fouled plug or two, or a lack of consistent spark, or no fuel. Check the basics... spark, fuel, compression.
I see that your fuel pump is located in the bay... these are not puller pumps, they are pushers, and it may have died from the strain. Mount it on the frame rail near the rear passenger wheel instead.
I've had similar sudden incidents, and they were always related to either fuel or spark. I have thrown a lash cap, but that only disabled one cylinder and it made a clear sound.
Do your basic checks and report back!

[2mAn]

Do you guys hear the knocking in the video?

It’s not a misfire, and fuel is reaching the motor, though I agree it’s not the ideal location... a shop installed that electric pump there and he said it’s fine. I plan to change it if the problems would stop and allow me to clean up the details

[Gregs672000]

Ohhhh, OK, I just listened to it. Ya, don't run it anymore.
I'm sorry, but that's bad. Rod bearing or it dropped a valve seat.
I'm really sorry. Disassembly time.

[Linda]

Why would Simon try to start it and get nothing, but then finally it would start, but run poorly?
Did it turn over but not start initially , or was there nothing?
Hope it is not too bad..
Linda

[bossbob]

I agree with Gregg, sounds like a spun bearing, or something internal, how many miles on the engine?

[nismou20]

I’m trying to be optimistic Simon but sounds like bottom end work. I’d pull all plugs and try spinning engine to see for resistance/binding.

[Gregs672000]

Simon, I've been walking around the house, just feelin bad for ya man. I know how hard you have been working on this project, and how much you have enjoyed the Roadster. You were bonding. I understand that feeling quite well, and I'd imagine you're feeling pretty crappy about now. I'm really sorry this has happened today.
If you end up needing a set of rod bearings, I have a new set of .50 oversize I'll give you if that helps. My replacement crank ended up a different size than mine, so I didnt need them and never sent them back to Dean. Consider it repayment for something you did for another, or consider it a down-payment on a future act. I also have three good U20 rods if needed.
I'd not even spin it anymore. You already know it's broken, you're just likely to hurt it more. Pull the pan, you'll find it.
Be not discouraged. Step by step this too will pass and you'll be back out and blasting again soon.

[2mAn]

I just met AAA to get it moved from my friends house to Mikes shop (Purpose Built) and you add insult to injury it looks like the tow company from yesterday damaged the car.

This might be the end of the road for me and this car. I can’t sit and stare at it for another year while a bottom end gets built. I’m pretty bummed right now.

@Linda it died as we were descending the mountain so I coasted down maybe 3-4 miles in neutral and tried Maybe twice to turn it over but needed to focus on the road as I was still moving. Once stopped at the bottom I got it started and once I heard what it sounded like I shut it down

[theunz]

Man that sucks. You have put so much work into this car and it’s got to be heartbreaking, but it won’t be insurmountable. Give yourself a couple of days to digest it and then figure out a plan. Like already mentioned it’s probably a rod bearing, hopefully not a main. All things considered, it’s really not a catastrophic failure compared to what can happen. I know you are trying to turn it into a track car, but things like this are the price of admission. You say “this might be the end of the road for me and this car”, but keep in mind that this could happen to whatever you replace it with as well. Give yourself some “cool down laps” and then decide where your priorities lie. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[68DSU]

Don't give up too soon. I think most of us have spent some depressing down time. Think of the good times and, what the hey, we are supposed to stay home anyway. This may be a cosmic reminder.
That didn't help did it.

[Linda]

At least you have someone competent to help you figure out what is the problem. Need to know what the situation is first.
Linda

[redroadster]

Xi