on monday the bertone had no acceleration, black smoke out the tailpipe. pulled over, oil all over the engine. 10 lbs compression in the first cylinder. i only paid 700 for it, got a couple months out of it, and i told myself that if it was a bust i would part it out. i'm still deciding. it has almost all the trim in tact, brand new tires on bertone rims that are in great shape etc etc. anyone need anything? or need a parts car/project?

i've been thinking it over and an engine swap is actually more feasible than i had thought. i didn't think i would be able to do it in my own garage. it's been a very tough month for this lifelong volvo driver-finding the 83 240's ignition pickup has been a bit of a goose chase and now this. i should have the 240 on the road next week. i found an engine in the area for $350 with 150K on it. i'm thinking this could be a good learning experience...and to salvage a beautiful bertone would make me feel a bit better about blowing the engine after 2 months of ownership. there was a slight knock in the engine; i guess i found out the hard way what it was.
sorry part seekers-didn't mean to get your hopes up. i was anguished

Ribit,


I still don’t understand how the engine ‘‘Blew up’’. Please explain how oil went everywhere. Is there a hole in the engine now?


Goatman

i really don't know how oil went everywhere. it was coming out the filler cap, oil all over the intake manifold, dripping down the pass. side of the engine, coming out of the intercooler, etc. like i said almost no compression in the 1st cylinder. it runs right now, albeit very roughly, with little to no power. before it all went south, there was a knocking in the engine that was there cold or at operating temp, and it was losing oil-coming out the filler cap (i cleaned/replaced crankcase system, replaced filler cap seal and dipstick seal), oil coming out of the intercooler and sitting on the pipe from the intercooler to the TB

Ribit,


The next step is to remove the cylinder head and make an inspection. Remove the cylinder head and post back. There are some general tips in the 700/900 FAQ.


I hope to hear from you soon!
Goatman

When my '78 Bertone's engine turned into a boat anchor, I started a V8 swap within a week. Still driving it 5 years later.
Of course a Bertone is worth more in parts than as a whole car, but they are getting scarce, it would be a shame to relegate another one to the crusher.

Out here in CA a recycler engine costs about what you paid for the car or less, it probably would be worth fixing and continuing to drive in style and comfort. I could use parts if you parted it, however, an 89 is a pretty decent car to have.
My 89 is black with black/blue. e-mail in profile.

Sorry to here of the bad luck.
If the car in question is the 89-780,I am interested in a few pieces.You can contact me at,odenweller at hotmail dot com
thanks

You don't say what model or year it is, but why not put a different engine in it?
If it is as good as you say, that should be a great investment!