Piston pin offset-QV

In reading over the WSM regarding piston/rod installation, it would appear that the wrist pin offset is different for the 1-4 bank, versus the 5-8 bank. In that the pin offset is typically opposite the direction of rotation, the WSM seems to be breaking the rules of conventional engine building.(On one bank, the pin offset is opposite the direction of rotation, on the other bank, it is in the same direction of rotation!) Anyone ever notice this...or am I mis-reading the manual?

Is the Ferrari V8 different than your typical American V8 in terms of how the piston pin offset is done?

 

Well...I'm really beginning to feel stupid Brian, as I (wrongly) used an engine that I had torn down as my visual "reference" and tried (unsuccessfully) in my mind to make it agree with the WSM. It would appear that one of my virgin QVs in for an overhaul has been down before at some point in her life...and the pistons were installed backwards. This might just explain some of the internal problems I found.

All is clear now. Thank you!

Best,
David

 

A few in recent years...and more many years back. Basically, these are very tough engines that will go a long, long time between overhauls. Why are these engines being overhauled or why do they fail; I'll answer both.

Overheating...and I'm not talking a little hot, either. If you constantly run them in the 230+ temperature range and you've done all of the "snake-oil" tricks such as (but not limited to) a trick water pump, new fans, racing radiator and she still runs hot; there's a real problem. Unfortunately by the time you figure this out, you've likely killed the liners.

High miles: They only live so long.

Lack of service/poor service: Low miles doesn't mean no service.

"Major services" without removing those valve covers: Valves with not enough clearance run hot. Over time, this will lead to valve failure...

Yes! On all of the 2-valve cars, I replace the sodium valves (with stainless) any time a head is off, or the engine is being rebuilt. The cost of the valves is chump change in comparison to the cost of a failure.