One slight communication error.

GTC said that they never got the e-mail about the hole in the block, and I never sent one. I recently discovered this hole during block cleaning.

I said I sent a pic and e-mail about the crack in the block, a totally unrelated issue. There was no response from GTC on this one issue,  but rather Atul Patel did respond and did offer a new block.

I trust that clears things up.

Chris

OK,

I am glad to see that GTC has posted here! First the good points:

1) GTC was a pleasure to do business with.
2) GTC did not waste time in shipping the products or parts, as a matter of fact, they are speedy.
3) GTC is trustworthy during business transactions.
4) GTC spare parts were very nice indeed.
5) GTC packs spare parts very well, no shipping damage what so ever.
6) GTC engines look good, I would have run them AS IS. (I wanted to inspect internals)
7) I would order from GTC again. (these issues can be resolved)
8 ) Warranty issues are quickly handled by GTC.

Now the bad points:

1) Casting sand galore. I removed 1 and 1/2 CUPS of sand (about 2 pounds, 1 kilo) out of one of the engines. I was promised there would be no casting sand. It was OBVIOUSLY painted over.
2) Casting flaws and cracked block on one of 3 engines ordered. (likely not the fault of GTC as it was painted over at the casting factory?)
3) Connecting rod issues
4) Tappets all (except 1) 0.008 inches out of true.
5) Crankshaft counterweights had casting flaws.
6) Pistons were not clean underneath, plenty of casting grit there also.
7) engine delivered with rust in one of the clyinders. That cylinder continues to leak. We replaced the liner and piston but have some other internal problem. I think head gasket issues, probably from poor assy on my part as we had this cylinder apart 4 times.
8 ) Crankshaft bearing surface were very poor finish. By the way, our machinist polished the crank in 15 seconds per journal on a lathe with crank polishing machine. EDIT, It seems crankshaft finish may have been OK before the test run in India. Close inspection of the very wide  center bearing show scratches only under the bearing. The area outside the bearing has no gouges.
9) the 6/1 also had the con rod dipper screwed in too far. it contacted the crankshaft causing damage.
10) sand got into one of the cylinders causing scoring on the cylinder wall.
11) Casting flaws in flywheel.
12) What kind of clean new oil was used for testing? It was sludge inside the engine.

None of the problems are insurmountable. It would be easy for GTC to do the job correctly the first time. GTC needs to hold the casting company accountable. Not sure how this is done in India, but here in the states, switching companies or demanding warranty replacement would get them to make things right. GTC needs to understand the sand issue completly. That includes sand in and under the piston castings.

I have seen pictures of PS brand engine internals. They look good. GTC would do well to concentrate on this type of quality. I did not expect Japanese type quality when ordering Lister type engnes. However these are not minor issues. These are the type of problems that result in very short engine life. I purchased the Lister type engine for it's reputation of long life.

It is possible that GTC did not receive my e-mail picture of the cracked block. (EDIT: I did not send a picture of the casting hole, only the crack in same block) However I am sure they have a written account of the crack, as other issues in that e-mail were addressed. I will post a pic of the crack and of my repair.

We all understand that Lister engines are not perfect. My hope is those selling Lister type engines will respond to this forum and improve quality. The internet is a wonderful and powerful tool. Those who manufacture engines would do well to learn from past mistakes and grow.



Chris

Darren,

 You are correct about the belts. Honda uses a gilmer type belt in the air cooled engines to drive the OHC. It is bathed in hot oil, so I cannot think of a reason why it would not be a perfect thing for a listeroid. Not much risk if you think about it!

Chains are another matter, as the lenth of chain is adjustable by links. This requires a good quality idler.

Chris

Pics are up in coppermine! You will not believe them! They are hi res large pics, so I placed them in seperate abums. cujet, cujet1 and cujet2 each have a pic you shoud see. In particular, look at cujet1, as this is about the casting sand and casting flaw in the block.

Chris

You know, those American car companies and parts manufacturers can build engines on the cheap. Bare, basic engines can be had for a song if you know where to look. Ford Motorsport used to sell 4 cyl engines (far more complex than a lister) for similar to Lister prices. Without accessories of course. I think it is a good comparo. Certainly Chevy crate engines can be had for a fraction of the cost per HP!

Chris

I think the PPG coolant available locally will be OK for your uses. However, remember that water stratifies perfectly. PPG may or may not. I do not know. In any case I plan on trying it, as the corrosion protection and boil over protection would seem to be worth it.

I spoke with the engineer behind Engine Ice brand coolant. It is a mix of PPG and water with a few other minor additives. He claimed that some (non Evans) 100% PPG coolants have a little water added anyway. This lowers the boiling point! However the small quantities of water may boil off in your lister.

Chris

ARE THESE GUYS MISSING IT?

YES!