8 replies to this topic

[Ray Bell]

The other day I was looking over a pile of Aurora IRL engine bits...

 

It seems that there was more than one version of the engine, but one feature of the bits present has the owner mystified and it seems pretty strange to me as well. The valve stems had a coating of what feels like some kind of coarse powder, and it remains there when the engine is in use as well.

 

The photos show both used and unused valves, see what you think:

 

 

 

As mentioned, it feels like a coarse powder and it felt to me like it might come off there too, but I didn't press the issue.

 

Any ideas?

 

And while we're at it, what about this on the nose of the camshafts?

 

 

There is a lot of free movement, and now I think of it, I'm not sure if it's on the nose of the cam or the other end.

[Greg Locock]

Second thing is probably a TV damper if it isn't a camshaft phasor.

[Ray Bell]

Thanks, Greg...

 

But those terms don't mean anything to me, could you elaborate?

[Greg Locock]

torsional vibration damper aka harmonic damper and variable cam timing. I am dubious of the second. I'd be very keen to rip those 6 allen heads out!

[DogEarred]

Dry film lubricant coatings are used a lot these days in high performance engines.

Reduces friction, therefore heat, of course.

Looks weird, I'd agree.

[Bloggsworth]

I seem to recall, from decades ago, graphite powder as a lubricant.

[Magoo]

Titanium valves require a anti-friction coating or they will gall like a bastard, but that material is not typical. 

 

That is a torsional-vibration damper. There are different types. Here is a look at the Cosworth style with the tiny L-bars. 

https://www.f1techni...pic.php?t=26642

 

 

It was the fashion in the Indy Racing League for the independent Aurora engine builders (remember those?) to mill their names on the cam covers. There were many: Blueprint, Speedway, Roush, Katech, Comptech, etc. I wonder if these are marked. 

[Magoo]

I couldn't recall all the shops that built Olds/Aurora IRL engines, so I started web-looking and found this from 2001: 

 

https://www.newspape...-star/96034894/

 

The original premise was that GM would supply a basic engine kit for $75,000, which independent teams and engine shops could build and refine. A noble idea, it seemed at the time, for getting around the factory lease programs and all the political problems that resulted. 

Edited by Magoo, 28 October 2024 - 13:40.

[Ray Bell]

Thanks for the responses...

 

The owner has been informed of this thread and will keep an eye on it.