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[lopezfr1]

Hi All!

Need some advice. My M-E 114 engine failed under power. I was doing about 80 on the highway in 6th gear when there was a loud bang, then a lot of rattling and no power (sounded like a bunch of rocks banging around an oil drum). Towed it to the nearest HD dealer and as expected zero compression on one of the cylinders (rear).

They wanted my authorization for 4 hours of tear down time to determine the issue. I figure that $500 bucks is better spent on a new engine since I doubt this one is salvageable.

What do the rest of you think?

Thanks!

[KGB]

Possible broken valve spring, caused the valve to hit the piston which caused the loss of power, sounds like you need to authorize tear down instead of guessing


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[lopezfr1]

Possible broken valve spring, caused the valve to hit the piston which caused the loss of power, sounds like you need to authorize tear down instead of guessing


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@KGB - based on other threads, even if it's just the valve spring and valve... would you have concerns about piston/cylinder damage and shrapnel floating around the rest of the engine?

[KGB]

Well that's the gamble, I would think they could at least pull the plugs and look with a bore scope before disassembling to try and tell if there is catastrophic damage and that might make your decision easier.
Good luck, I hope it isn't too bad.


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[lopezfr1]

Well that's the gamble, I would think they could at least pull the plugs and look with a bore scope before disassembling to try and tell if there is catastrophic damage and that might make your decision easier.
Good luck, I hope it isn't too bad.


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That's a great idea! I'll ask them to do that!

[lopezfr1]

Just wanted to close this out with an update. I chose to bypass the 'diagnostic tear down' and apply the $500 to a new 131 short block. It was the right decision as it turns out the the valve spring broke (good guess KGB) and then the piton hammered the valve into the rear intake port. The shrapnel then got sucked through the throttle body and damaged the other piston. Is it rebuildable? Probably but I think it probably caused other damage to the cylinder, valves, etc. and I wouldn't feel comfortable riding a potential time bomb far from home. Thanks for the help!

[RivRaptor]

That's a smart choice unless your gonna do the work yourself and have a good machinist handy.  Nice excuse to up grade!

[lopezfr1]

Yep. Not a win/win but I'm sure the upgrade will be fun!