Escort Mk1 Crossflow low compression, engine problems?

[@ODDAutos]

100% this engine is NOT built by BURTON. They are amazing and I only wish I could afford to put one of their engines in my mk1. I’m not into naming and shaming companies, anyone can have a bad day and miss something. It’s just one of those things that happens, at least it’s done now.

[@alanmaughan7968]

Yes we can all make a mistake or forget something, it happens from time to time. However, what defines a business is how they react when you return work that is substandard. By the sounds of it these guys failed for a second time when you went back to see them which in my opinion is a far greater crime than the first time, cowboys of the highest order.

[@ODDAutos]

Agree on that too 👍

[@johncoppock3823]

Comedy engine builder. No, somebody had a very bad day. I was better as an 18 year old with a stick lapper than that professional job. Like the water test. Look forward to hearing it run properly. Superb car.

[@phillipmalkin1169]

Well really you should name names as it means some poor other people will trust those clowns 🤡 to work on there engines and we all go by trust because if you trusted them you would of left your head with them. You could see pitting on the valve seat before you lapped it in properly so they defo had not been done with that water fall but you shouldn’t really use water as that just helps rust everything plenty of other fluid you could use like WD40 or penetrating fluid but never water as other fluids are thinner so you see really how good your lapping in is

[@rxsyete]

You are too good a guy...I would have sued them to teach them a lesson.

[@susanhenderson2322]

You should name the builder, that's shoddy workmanship.

[@dazzx10r]

That's shocking work from an engine builder, if they can't perform something as simple as lapping in a set of valves then I wouldn't be trusting them to do a full engine build. Good work Paul.

[@ODDAutos]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@pr06ctr]

Power of social media buddy. Name and shame the engine builder. I had a head that was sitting outside for months (scrap) and the valve seats were better than that. I've done a lot around the house this year and had obviously not the same but similar issues. Can't stand paying someone to do a joy and you get a half assed mess done. If you can't do don't offer. Keep it up guys

[@paultierney8867]

Absolutely correct basics. I learned this on my mk2 escort when I was 17. Now 54 and cannot believe a trade claimed to have done it properly. Great video, nice that you did it yourself. It teaches everyone that just because you pay, it does not mean its been done at all or correctly. Makes you wonder what else was not done !!!! Keep up the great work buddy.

[@911marcus]

Good craftsmen who do their job sensibly and even with love and understanding are hard to find. I have the feeling that at the moment people are not thinking about the future and a long-term business relationship, but just cashing in and forgetting... You will never keep your company alive that way for long... A good reputation is difficult to build up. Ruining a reputation is very easy... But it's great that you can get the engine running again.

[@dalethomas360]

This is how I was taught to lap valves in when I was 14 in 1983 by my Dad. Then I was taught the same method in 1986 when I started my apprenticeship and how I've always done it over the years. Now, you've just proved that those methods are bang on and taught a new generation. Well done, Paul. As for the engine builder. I would have had his 10mm socket away... 😁

[@geraldswain3259]

Sounds like you've done s bit of tool lifting in the past ,just the sought of guy you don't want in the w/shop .I wouldn't recommend those sought of comments .

[@dalethomas360]

@@geraldswain3259, why thank you. I am actually starring in the new Avengers movie, as the anti-hero, Tenmill McNabbit. I can't divulge the full plot yet, but keep your eyes open for the release in 2023. The scene where I go into the Snap-On van with a 3/8 AF is Oscar worthy, even if I am a bit biased. 😉

[@geraldswain3259]

@@dalethomas360 🤮🤤🤤🤤

[@Mk2Mitch]

Gutting news about the engine Paul, saying that your diagnosis work was spot on and you made light work of fixing the fault 👌🏻 I made it up to the nec last Friday & had a brief chat with Keith, was great to see your projects in person 😎

[@grahamhider3754]

Had same problem with my motorbike who did my engine. Waste of time and money. Nice work fantastic car

[@alexdeakin4266]

Great speaking to you and Keef at the nec. Hope that's the engine sorted now for ya fella's.

[@marty3469]

Your lucky that was an easy fix. As you showed their lapping was never done, only been cleaned up. I'd be checking bolt tensions on the big ends and crank to be safe. Great work👍

[@ODDAutos]

Yer think I’d better check the rest.

[@robdefire4747]

I used to club race one of these back in the day. Very easy motor to build up. Even as a spotty teenager I did a better job of lapping valves than that company did. I would be keeping a good eye on oil pressure on the dyno mate. From my fading memory I think we got 190psi out of them on a cold compression test. Best of luck with it.

[@alanmaughan7968]

This makes me wonder what the rest of the engine is like and would I really want to risk it on the rollers for the sake of having a look first?

[@chopperhehehe]

Same thoughts 😕 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🦄😁🤞✌

[@ODDAutos]

Yes thinking the same.

[@paultaylor9939]

What a set of ---- l would seriously check the bottom end after seeing what they did to the head , fingers crossed if you don’t check the rest of the work. Good luck on the rollers.

[@jimspeed1388]

It's not like it's hard to build a cross flow engine ! it's amazing they managed to ball's it up.

[@ODDAutos]

I know right.

[@stevemjlynch]

Good to see you got it sorted Paul. Great talking to you at the NEC and can't wait to see the SWB Quattro let alone the 5 Cyl Mk2 and Minis. When you get to 50 you've got too many.

[@kevtherev891]

engine builder needs named and shamed on a forum at least , then of course kicked in the bollocks with a heavy size 10 boot , gr8 work though paul getting the valves sorted out ,hope all goes well on your future power run best regards and enjoy your stunning mk1

[@jamesmc1272]

Having built and raced quiet a few Xflows, Id have the crank out and check all the clearances, more content for your channel. Also I bet they've not set the cam exactly right, if they've just put it in on the dowel it can be many degrees out. Oh and if they've changed the cam bearings make sure they have installed them properly and not blocked the oil feed.

[@grayfool]

What a bunch of cowboys! Lets hope the bottom end is OK. As the saying goes "if you want something done properly do it yourself". Looming forward to seeing it run again.

[@pauldixon3677]

I am pleased for you guys that the issue was only on the valves not being lapped in. A relatively easy fix but one that you shouldn't have needed to do. Totally understand your feelings. One good thing came from this, you wont be using those engine menders again! Their loss.

[@ODDAutos]

Yep never again.

[@GaryJWright]

@ 10.20 on video can clearly see a pit in the inlet valve seat insert (guess they only replaced exhaust inserts)... and the rust around head bolts on the face - wow what a bodge job! If it was mine I would have used a valve seat cutter on the inlets and just take a smidge off, then lapped in, did they replace the exhaust valves with stainless ones, ( I use to rebuild beetle engines ) just a few observations. I could not put that head back on without pulling sump and checking crank and rod shells....

[@ODDAutos]

Yes wondering about the rest of it too 👍

[@mddaly6082]

When you whipped the lapping tool out I thought "I did that to my V8 last year and got blisters". Then you pulled out the speed lapper. Mind blown.

[@davecooke914]

I would be worried if they did hole engine couldn't be bothered to do the head escort looks amazing good luck look forward to nx video 👍

[@JohnHonda101]

As we all know, no one had lapped those valves in previously. Fingers crossed it will run OK now.

[@ODDAutos]

Yep hopefully bud.

[@punkbloater]

Yep want something done properly you gotta do it yourself, amazing these people are still in business if that’s how the run their shop!

[@lennon2020]

Great to meet you at the show Paul 👍 I used to enjoy lapping in valves . Shocking work from the engine builder plenty of cowboys out there. Keep up the good work and video's mate 😁

[@ODDAutos]

Yes mate and you, hope the rest of the show was great. 👍👍

[@jambojames7427]

I'm in an Odd place with this video I'm pissed off on your behalf but also entertained by the great content and educated. Good luck for the rolling Road

[@colinhutcheson1365]

Great video as usual always learn something from them, I wanted one of those lappers not easy to find eventually got one from Frosts and I haven't used it yet now I know how it works thanks, keep up the great work, hope you are keeping that car it is money in the bank

[@chrisblay]

Brings back memories of lapping in valves by hand. I reckon you’ve had that cutting paste a long time, it’s the same brand as I used to use. 🤣 The rule was always there should be a grey ring all the way around valve and seat. I really don’t see how the engine rebuilders can deny missing that process. Also, surely they must run an engine up on a bench to test it once finished?

[@dibley1973]

Did they not even cut 3 angle valve seats? We used to do that and we weren't a even performance shop, just an ordinary garage!

[@chrischapman138]

Workmen ship on that head was disgusting no way have they done anything on that.. it's the old saying paul.. if a jobs worth doing right.. do it yourself.. p.s was a pleasure chatting to you and kieth on Saturday.. car looked stunning in real life..👌

[@Squintanditsmint]

Nicely sorted out and demonstrated. I'm hoping karma has it's fun with the "engine builder"

[@markopolo9421]

I hope you gave those so called engine builders what for !! Shocking that they didn’t seat the valves I’d flipping be fuming, anyway I’ve really enjoyed this build glad it’s all sorted now… onwards & upwards fellas 👍

[@andywarrington4738]

your bloody right they haven't been lapped in , i dont get the mentality to deny they made a mistake , you loose business that way , good to see its sealed properly now

[@ODDAutos]

Yep hope it’ll be mint now 👍

[@-abacchus]

Hey Paul - such a shame that a relatively simple job ended up with these _'professionals'_ leaving you with a knackered engine. Still, they've lost any future work from you!! If you have footage of your phone call or visit to their workshop, that would make some awesome content!! 😉 AND you managed to strip the engine without dinking Keiths paintwork 👌

[@richie9777]

Glad you sorted it. I'd be weary of the rest of the engine though. Name and shame springs to mind

[@chriswalker9850]

Great Video Paul, Jesus……feel sorry for anyone using this so called engine builder! 😳

[@johnfisher1544]

Liked the content of the video, i was upset about the problems that you had to endure on the initial starting of this Classic British vehicle, still it goes to prove that there are some “experts” out there that are taking liberties….! You should name and shame them, clearly those valves have NEVER been lapped in, glad that you have demonstrated the correct way to achieve excellence. Sadly missed you at the NEC, but the event as a whole was awesome, i watch so much content on the tv and You Tube, that i forget about the popularity of cars and nostalgia, hopefully see you at another show soon…

[@patrickcurley8951]

What a gang of cowboys Paul,I always thought that the English were very particular in their work,not them lads for sure

[@welshmaniacs16]

who was the engine builders so i can avoid them forever? 🤣🤦🏻‍♂️ feel for u tbh as £1900 bill i wouldve been going clean off. cant believe they didnt re seat the valves, i wouldve wanted block skim, head skim and bore out to 1760cc for that price.. great vid again, love the content 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ODDAutos]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@paulwooller4524]

Can’t believe that someone would turn out such crap and adamant that they did the work - disgraceful 😡but on a nicer note I’ve forgotten how easy it was to work on these old school engines not like today’s modern stuff. Looking forward to its Dino test👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ODDAutos]

The old stuff is the best buddy 👍👍 super simple.

[@katluke]

As already mentioned a few times,if they cant even lap valves in I’d certainly be checking over the rest of there “work” before putting the car on a rolling road .

[@theoriginalwallace]

If you want a job done right Paul, best doing it yourself. Cheers. Leigh.

[@Wayne-R-]

Great job Paul I’d go over everything for peace of mind I wouldn’t trust any work they done you should name and shame them, looking forward to hearing it run

[@martin-jj9pe]

As a mechanic I think I would pull the engine if they have done such a poor job on the cylinder head I would get my money back from them and if they didn't I would take-home to court that video would show it all

[@mpe6678]

Hi Guys, what a pity, they should be shamed. I agree with Alan Maughan as far as you checking the bottom end, heaven alone knows what is going on down there. The car looks stunning now completed. Thank you for the entertainment. From S.A 👍👍

[@crumpetcatcher]

There's no excuse for the engine builder knocking shoddy work out like that and then lying to your face. Some of the valve seats looked like they needed cutting too. I hate to think what they'd be like with a more modern turbo engine. As always I love the videos and thanks for making them for us 👍🏻

[@ODDAutos]

Yes might pop out and buy a cutter tomorrow if that valve doesn’t stop dripping.

[@jasonshaw4957]

Well done Paul, Good to see the escort will be running soon like it deserves…I’d Name and Shame the ‘engine builder’ and let karma do its work🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻Sorry I missed seeing you again at the NEC.

[@methanoid]

Totally. name and shame those "professional engine builders"

[@stevemcilroy9518]

Total joke. I had same problem with an outfit in Lincoln. Got engine back, and there were metal filings still in bore and head inlet/outlets, shocking so called service. Looking good now hopefully.

[@mikenewman137]

Nice job with the head, I hope they did a better job on the rest of the engine .

[@billsheehy1660]

Saw your stand at the NEC, just love all the work you do. As I am knocking on a bit have a very soft spot for the Mk 1 Escort. So loved seeing that. Did not get a chance to compliment the 2 of you in person as you were swamped. But honestly that was the only reason we went. I would need some therapy to get over the engine builder taking the p1ss. Looking forward to what ever is coming next. Thank You

[@ODDAutos]

Ahh that’s a shame, next time just give me a shout. It was a busy weekend though, hopefully back there in November too 👍

[@billsheehy1660]

@@keithoddautos5044 really interesting, I live in Gloucester, would just love to pop along and chat about what you do over a cuppa.

[@billsheehy1660]

@@keithoddautos5044 Brilliant, I will do in a couple of weeks. Thank You

[@aqa321]

Good luck lads, fingers crossed the muppet engine builder did a better job on the rest of it. I'd hate to be taking that engine apart with Keith's shiny fresh paint all over the place!

[@harezy]

Should of had Barum engines (YT) do it. They are famous for their extended warranty 😂😂😂😂. What a shocking job. Those seats needed re-cutting. Lets hope the rest is ok 🙈🙈

[@stephenmiddleton4770]

Hi Paul shame about the valves hope she runs better now ,all the best 👍

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

I also have this opinion you better do something yourself rather than having problems, really nice video and also really good result on filming this on your own Cheers.

[@gordowg1wg145]

It's not just the "lapping" , but not having any oil (or smear of grease) on the seats to protect them in storage. What were the valve guides like?

[@shauncole9509]

What a shoddy bit if work by the engine builder ! Hope it all goes to plan !

[@IanFarmer]

Not a hope in hell they were lapped in, good to see you put it right though 👍

[@rikbuoys]

Gobsmacked, the most simple and basic of all engine reconditioning tasks, why would you not lap the valves in 😭 fingers crossed for the rest of the engine build.

[@emrico1]

Good on you. Thanks for the lesson on lapping. I'm pissed off that people would do such crap work. Thankfully you're a great mechanic and not a young fellah getting stuck with this rubbish work. Hopefully they just mixed it up and everything else is sweet

[@ruannsmuts6453]

Shameful work from the engine builder. Hope they did not miss anything else. Hope to see the car running soon.

[@chrisc9406]

Where is Keith? Upstairs sat in the office surfing the interweb. He's actually looking for a recon Pinto engine on ebay!

[@ODDAutos]

He’s been asleep for most of the week down the body shop…. No wait he’s done a bit of work in between his naps ha ha.

[@johnrowell942]

Great job on the value just shows that you should check other people's work. It's a shame that people like making money off people and cut corners or just don't do the job. As people have to take their word for it. Look forward to the next video

[@trevorwoods2580]

Can't believe how a so called engine builder could leave a n engine like that did they even skim the head it looks very black between the values I hope you get something back of them for the new gaskets you will have to fit and your Labour to fit and put right something like that really boils my blood hope you get it up and running now with no more problems I be looking forward to the next video to see how yous get on with it

[@ugurhussein5891]

Hi Paul it was great meeting u guys saturday morning (father and son duo) honestly thats terrible job done on head very easy job how they left that like that is unreal SHAME ON THEM ZERO SELF RESPECT but you have sorted it now it be nice to hear it run sweet please take care

[@ugurhussein5891]

👍👍👍

[@ODDAutos]

You too mate, hope you enjoyed the rest of the show. I had a quick look round, was some nice cars there 👍

[@ugurhussein5891]

Yes there was its nice to go back in time i do miss the past at 52 now ive seen alot and honestly i wish we could chase 200bhp again yet diesals are hitting 400plus now but its all boring on 1 hand you get everything yet on the other it feels like you missing something lol please takecare look forward to your new project 👍

[@Simon_W74]

They must have Stevie Wonder working for them, as they have not seen lapping paste, or the deft movement of the lapping tool. That drill lapping tool would have been handy some 30 years ago when I rebuilt my mates Cavalier engine. The only powered tool i had was the bore honer that went in a power drill. Sadly the Engineering workshop that reground the crank is no longer going. Looking forward to the next instalment and seeing you and Kieth going down the road.

[@ODDAutos]

Cheers buddy, I can’t wait to drive it now too.

[@miketighe7730]

Paul absolutely gutted for you but a bloke of your capability you will soon put it right I'm sure It's a dam shame on the engine builders that they have done this shoddy work and let you both down on the build ! and to not re do the work what they didn't do correctly in the first place shame on them ! Wonder how meny other times they have done this to other folk ? You will soon have it back in one piece ! 👍

[@ODDAutos]

Yes makes you think doesn’t it, just hope that it works ok now 👍

[@michaelcopse2013]

Just joined your site watching the escort mk1 engine build been in the motor trade for over 30 years there's no way they even touched that head absolutely terrible wouldn't let the build a go-kart engine...

[@jambojames7427]

Can't wait to see what's next...

[@ODDAutos]

Next videos out tonight buddy 👍

[@smiffy678]

What was the engine builders reason for lack of compression if they had lapped the valves etc?

[@micktuck5377]

Personal I’d pull the block and strip to check, it’s only a gasket set for your own piece of mine. I wouldn’t trust that on a rolling road @6500rpm

[@andrewstockton1801]

Can't believe that they charged you so much for that quality of work, shocking way to do business, before long they will be out of business :)

[@hoggmotorsport]

Shocking workmanship Paul 😠 If that's the state they leave the valves I think I'd be whipping the motor out and checking the bottom end 🤔 my mate came and seen ya's at the NEC, he was impressed by the Escort 👍 what have you done with Keith 😂😂

[@hoggmotorsport]

@@keithoddautos5044 somebody has to mate 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@ODDAutos]

It’s soo peaceful in the workshop working on my own 🤣

[@hoggmotorsport]

@@ODDAutos 🤣🤣🤣

[@fill7t1]

Wish I d gone to the NEC!, had other commitments 🙄. Wow what a waste of money Its a lot!. Thankfully your top guys and get the job done. Incodently I recall my dad grinding valves In on his 1500 hillman hunter, in the early 80s.... manually 🥺

[@fill7t1]

@@keithoddautos5044 ooooooo my birthday weekend too! 😃

[@ODDAutos]

Yes hopefully be there so make sure you pop and say hello 👍

[@brookieant]

Paul if they haven't done that to the head what else have they not done to the engine ❓ Seen a few videos if the nes show & the mk1 escort in most of them 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@ODDAutos]

It did do well the weekend, just a shame I couldn’t drive it in. Should be done soon though 👍👍

[@stephenhamilton771]

What a bunch of cowboys it's a good job you no ur stuff.we always get shafted by cowboys .Nice work Paul.

[@valvemonky4734]

one of the things that make it worse is that you couldn't have a more simpler engine to work on for a escort looks like it has dubble valve strings on the head so should reduce the chance of valve bounce lets hope the cam is timed properly

[@ODDAutos]

Yer that’ll be the next problem I expect.

[@tam1381]

Wonder what the rings are like.

[@paulcushnie]

That valves were lapped at some point just not by them. If it was like the leak you had at the very end you would be OK one valve ain't that great but not too bad let them sort it as its just a small weep but going by the leaks you had at the start I am surprised you even got a pressure test.

[@ODDAutos]

Definitely a unhappy head crying on the bench at the start lol

[@jackiemay9471]

also i would like to check rest of engine nuff said

[@ODDAutos]

Agree 👍

[@recruitmentwebsites]

Do Burton still build engines I though they were just parts now? Harris engines are the best, get the subs up and buy one of them :)

[@robhopkins5835]

I'm interested in what the new Compression numbers were after valve lap repair & reassembly. I have a similar situation with a TR6 engine. Thanks. Rob.

[@geraldmeli7696]

Good job 👍👍

[@terryroberts4589]

Name and shame the engine builders who said they did all the work on the engine 🥴

[@Dez55166]

What wee call up here 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 a paint an go er . Seen this many of times probably fired in a new valves and gave them a dunt wee a hemmer 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@lifeofderv]

Those seats look like they have been cut with a brick take it to a proper machine shop have them cut valves and seats have them vaccum test the seats lap them in if you want but have it done properly

[@gezwebster2951]

Glad you sorted it out disgusting work from the engine builder

[@ODDAutos]

👍👍

[@paulriggers1558]

that's a "off the shelf" recon head, off the back shelf of a leaky old shed in someone's garden, circa 1990 methinks if you can't lap valves, i don't think you can be trusted to put seats in correctly, unfortunately i see them bouncing out first time it's used in anger. save the pistons, fit a known good head.... we had a well known, good reputation, engine reconditioners in the north east, family retired + sold as a going concern to a lad + his cronies, give up when the fourth engine in a row was dud, all the gear,- no idea basically, the lost labour wiped our workshop profits for 3 months. i have always used petrol for seating check, water too thick to find the little leaks [quickly]

[@ODDAutos]

Yes starting to doubt the whole engine now.

[@philiprush5754]

Name and shame them Paul before someone else gets stung

[@stuartbradbury9514]

The frustration on your face says it all and to deni any poor workmanship is just a insult to anyone with half a brain,an apology and a hour fixing it while you wait would have been a better out come.

[@ODDAutos]

Totally 👍

[@GaryJWright]

I wouldn't let that builder open a can of beans ... let alone touch a engine!

[@MTeague1963]

It’s alway good to have a clean lapped ring 🤣🤣🤣 sorry!!!

[@jarrodoreilly4328]

So when are you shipping this escort to Australia to my house the funds should have cleared by now

[@ODDAutos]

Ha ha just waiting for the diesel prices to come down so the shipping is cheaper 🤣

[@ronnieteulon]

I used to rebuild engines for a living .I would be Hart broken if my valves looked like that

[@ODDAutos]

Agree 👍

[@chopperhehehe]

Done my cossy head with that tool saved sorer hands lol Hope your inspecting bottom end ? 🙄🤔 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🦄😁🤞✌

[@ODDAutos]

It’s a brilliant tool 👍

[@scoobgirl]

Engine builder more like Engine blagger, like august gloop said hurry up im starving :-)

[@markroberts35]

what joke cant believe the cheek of that engine builder

[@deanwebb4809]

What was the engine builders name

[@garethlewis7020]

Tell us who did the cylinder head so that we can stay away from them

[@philfrim2002]

I know you do not want to name them, re edit earlier video when you showed details of what you got, and include their name, so future people watching the series will know.

[@ODDAutos]

It’s not worth it bud, just hope it’s runs now. 👍

[@shoominati23]

You're just not one of the cool kids unless you have a Holbar twin cam under the bonnet these days!