Uh... So I was qualifying for an SCCA race this weekend at the Glen (short course), and doing quite well, despite being heavily outclassed. Anyhow, I'm in mid turn, and I'm sliding out towards the curbing going flat footed in 3rd gear. All is well, this is normal, and my normal shift point is coming up. I bounce off the curbing, and while the left front tire loses contact with the ground, I grab 4th gear, and floor it. Gotta make it quick. Well, I grab the next gear, and BAM! It's like hitting a brick wall for an instant, and I instantly stick my foot down on the clutch, and look down at the same time. Uh... Where the **** is the tach needle? Oh, there it is, pointing almost STRAIGHT DOWN!

Sigh. It's been a very expensive motorsports year, and it looks like the financial carnage isn't over yet. So, any guesses as to what I broke? There's no hole in the block, which I'm absolutely amazed at. I'm sure I bent every single valve, I just hope they didn't break off and scrape up the cylinder walls. Uh, or melted...

Sigh.

Warren

 

during a sever over rev like that it is possible to end valves.... most likely exhaust side... what retainers are you using? i have seen some people drop the valve completely... youve gotta pull the head and see what type of damage was done... most of the time the pistons can survive a smack by the valves..


[Modified by TurboR616, 1:08 AM 10/15/2001]

 

Yeah, I was gonna pull the head anyways, but I just wanted to see what people thought about the bottom end, like the bearings and flywheel. It was all stock.

Anyhow, here's my complete rundown for the SCCA driver's school, and the shortened qualifying session:

http://forums.audiworld.com/racing/msgs/18108.phtml

Warren

 

I missed 4th going down th 1/4 mile this weekend and I also believe that I bent some valves. My car sputters at idle and the power is way down. Time to take off the bolt-on's, and go in to see if I can "play dumb" and have the dealer fix it. Otherwise it's Portflow time! Dont feel bad Warren, that makes two of us that munched valves this weekend.

 

Sorry to hear about the engine trouble. But congrats. on getting your SCCA Novice Permit!! .

 

yup, i bent some valves too..........wow, it seems to be pretty common, now i don't feel as bad

jason

 

Check your rod bearings, main bearings, and of course valvetrain/pistons

 

Well when I blew my motor up a month ago.....The first thing I did was a leakdown test to see where the problem was, it takes a lot less time than pulling the head. Goes like this:
Blow air out dipstick=Bottom end
Air out intake or exhaust=top end
pefect leakdown=bottom end.
Mine ended up being a spun rod bearing that I believe was due to oil contamination of some kind, it still ran but made all sorts of noise.

BTW: I see you added a E30 M3 to your collection! My personal favorite

 

My rod bearing spun likely due to overheated oil. I would recommend to anyone that tracks/races their R that they invest in an oil temperature gauge.

356 - was your car burning a lot of oil prior to the rod bearing problem?