LAST month we detailed the process of stripping the ancillaries from the original failed engine, deciding what parts to bin and which could be reused. Broadly, if the component has moving bearings, such as the alternator or belt pulleys, or if access for future replacement would be difficult on a finished engine, then it makes sense to consider fitting a new part to the new engine. However, many items like brackets can happily be reused on the new motor.
That does throw up an issue after a decade’s use, is that many of the aluminum-based components look dirty and tired. Surrounded by brand-new bright metal, they’d take the edge off the final appearance of the installation in the Defender. There is an easy, affordable solution to that, which Ian Baughan made use of by having the reusable components vapour blasted locally at J S Vapour and Media Blasting. We’ll cover the process fully in the future but, essentially, vapour blasting uses blast media carried in water. The benefit of the process is that it not only cleans, but has a polishing effect, too, meaning aluminium
