Destructive Consequences: When a 6¾ L-Series V8 Was Exposed to Liquid
While Vintage Bentleys may not have a reputation for dependable performance, it is typically not the engine itself that causes issues. Instead, it tends to be various other vintage car components such as the hydraulics systems, electronics, or the well-known faulty Bosch Continuous Injection System (CIS). However, there is one aspect of these vehicles that stands out as an exception – their 6.75-liter L-Series V8 engine. This powerhouse serves as a prime example of how hydrolocking can result in irreparable damage to an engine.
Based on information from the I Do Cars YouTube channel, it seems that this particular 6¾-liter V8 engine was most likely removed from a 1987 Bentley Mulsanne S. The presenter obtained the motor from a scrap yard where it had been sitting for an extended period of time. While the majority of the engine appears to be in good condition, there are two noticeable openings in the oil pan which suggest potential significant damage within the block.
A majority of the additional components connected to the V8 engine can be easily removed, including the troublesome CIS system that was mentioned before. However, the journey of the I Do Cars host encounters a hurdle when they approach the driver’s side head. This particular component is firmly attached to the block due to excessively corroded head bolts. Despite enduring what seems like an eternity of using wooden tools and prying bars, they eventually succeed in removing the head and uncovering a gasket that appears incredibly grimy but remains largely intact.
The situation takes a drastic turn for the worse as the host of I Do Cars shifts to the passenger’s side of the vehicle. It becomes apparent that this particular head is comparatively easier to detach, as it seems to have been replaced with a new head gasket at some point in time. But unfortunately, this effort was in vain as the person responsible for the task did a shoddy job of smoothing out the surface of the engine block. Making matters worse, the newly installed gasket has already started to deteriorate.
Strangely, the driver’s side appears to be the most affected area in terms of damage. Upon inspection, it is evident that one of the pistons is now able to move freely within the cylinder, indicating disconnection from the crankshaft. As the host continues with the disassembly process, they discover that the connecting rod has been torn apart in an impressive manner, possibly causing the holes in the oil pan. They speculate that this particular cylinder may have suctioned in a certain type of liquid (although it is uncertain which kind) at some point. It should be noted that liquid cannot easily be compressed, so something had to eventually give way. In this situation, it resulted in the failure of the connecting rod.
Take note of the fate of this engine and use it as a reminder to exercise extra caution when navigating through a significant body of water on the road. Doing so could potentially spare you from a considerable amount of trouble.
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