The V8 Owners Forum -

And I don't mean me

I'm an instructor with the Under 17 Car Club (https://under17-carclub.co.uk/), a registered charity set up to teach children how to drive safely before they reach 17. Part of that is the basic mechanics of how cars work. I'd like to have an engine I could turn over and strip down in front of them to show 'suck/squeeze/bang/blow' and give them an idea of what's going on under the bonnet. A V8 is ideal as I can take one head off to show the pistons whilst the valve gear still operates on the other bank. However I don't have a spare to sacrifice to this worthy cause. Has anyone got an old engine getting in the way?

Regards,
David

Just a thought on this if a v8 doesn't show up imo a side valve lawnmower engine is perfect for this as the valves are on show synchronised with the corresponding piston , obviously not as complex but contemporary add on subjects like gasoline direct injection, miller cycle and other recent developments are easily explained in reference to the old 4 stroke cycle HTH

Thanks for the idea. It'd certainly be easier to transport to venues I'd really like a car engine though so that it is more relatable to what they see under the bonnet.

There are heaps of animated videos on the net ,you could then cover all the different types...rotary, reciprocating and these new variable stroke ,variable cam timing/lift. Having said that there is no real substitute for actually being able to have a look with your fingers , .....just like Mum told you not to

The aim is to get them away from computers

How about a VW beetle aircooled one?
Simplicity itself, and light to move around

Can also leave one head on and one off!

Ian

Contact your local flying club and ask them who rebuilds their piston engines.
They should have loads of out of tolerance bits lying around that they may be willing to donate/sell for scrap value.