Can I save my VE engine LY7

[bundyjack]

Had check engine on display, running rough, drove it home 3km.........
Put reader on , got P0301, spark problem no 1 cylinder.......
OK, I'll get a plug........
Read up a bit , watched youtube

Mufudzi Gambiza
1.98K subscribers
He's good.
Bought set of plugs a coil and the two gaskets......
Took manifold off , took out no 1 coil and plug. Didn't look good, looked deep inside , didn't look good either......(this is my big mistake)
I installed new plugs and one new coil on no 1 ...
I was showing my neighbour the spark plug and she said the ceremic piece is broken on the spark plug, she's not a mechanic......she's a granny.
Then it dawned on me, something broke it and the electrode arm.......... probably broken piston pieces......
That's why it didn't look good when I looked down no 1 spark plug hole , not just black like the other pistons.....
I didn't need to buy $230 worth of parts.....
But my question is can I get a piston and rings from wrecker , drop sump, undo main bearing and put it back in.........
Bingo??

I did that many years ago with a 4 cylinder Simca and did 40,000 miles after.....
My motor is LY7 285,000 km

 

[lmoengnr]

If you're getting a piston and rings from a wrecker, make sure they're bundled with another 5 sets....

Just replace the engine with unit in better condition.

 

[RossK]

Get a borescope camera, they are cheap on ebay, catch, bangood, whatever site you prefer.

 

[Fu Manchu]

It’s gut wrenching having moments like that.

You’ve got nothing to lose having a go.

 

[bundyjack]

mate and I had better look, piston was ok, .... I put new coil and plugs in.....like video.
It won't start, must have a connector not right....
Flattened battery , recheck everything and try again tomorrow.
I used a vacuum tube to suck out and dirt from cylinder 1.....
Yer a camera would be good to look inside, I had a similar thing done in hospital a few months back.........

 

[lmoengnr]

I had a similar thing done in hospital a few months back.........

Intake or exhaust?

 

[Tonner Matt]

Intake or exhaust?

Hands down this wins the "Post of the Day"

 

[bundyjack]

exhaust...............

Thinking last night and the round centre electrode of the no 1 spark plug was missing, must have wiggled loose and fell into combustion chamber.
I'm buying a bore camera today off ebay...............
And pumping up push bike tyres .

 

[bundyjack]

OK, just waiting for borecamera.........
I need to look at valves, so was thinking of turning the camera in the bore.........
This guy has done it, i have to diy the same setup.

I'm also wondering how far the exhaust valve opens,,, 2mm or 5mm.
Hoping all particles were blown out as I don't want to take head and cams off
Anyideas.
My hobby is lawn mower engines.........the cam will be handy for them as well as sore ears, blocked drains, engine inspections etc.

 

[bundyjack]

Got the borecam, played with it....
Had to wrap a length of thin wire around it to steer the camera....
Found a few pieces of porcelain and the outer electrode..... so I'll try to grab that with the magnet.
I put a length of wire down to scrape off and loosen stuff. That's what all the scratches are.