512 BBi engine rebuild expert question | FerrariChat

512 BBi engine rebuild expert question

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Racing-Baker, Mar 28, 2020.

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  1. Racing-Baker

    Racing-Baker Karting

    Jan 11, 2008
    216
    Beveren Leie
    Full Name:
    Enzo Duquesnoy
    I'm busy with an complete engine overhaul of a 512BBi.
    So also replacing the exhaust valves.
    But when I took the valves out I noticed only the inlet valve guides had seals...
    Is this normal? Why no seals on the exhaust valves?

    Thanks
    Enzo
     
  2. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    Dec 26, 2001
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    Because the exhaust valves are inverted and heavily shrouded by the casting around the cam buckets. Oil cant run uphill. I dont put guide seals on the exhaust valves.
     
  3. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

    Apr 6, 2008
    8,866
    southwest germany and thailand
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    romano schwabel
    also there is no vacuum at the outlet valves
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,035
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    The SPCs indicate that they "learned" that they didn't need them (or got a little benefit from not having them) on the non-Lambda flat 12s, but reinstated them on the with Lambda flat 12s (that are less tolerant to having a little oil get into the exhaust stream):

    365 GT4 BB (carb non-Lambda) = has them on the exhaust valves
    512BB (carb non-Lambda) = has them
    512BBi (K-Jet non-Lambda) = does not have them
    early euro TR (K-Jet non-Lambda) = does not have them
    US - CH - SA TR (KE-Jet with Lambda) = has them
     
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  5. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
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    Canada
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    Newman
    Regardless of what they did then I would not run seals on the exhaust side because it doesn't cause visible smoke yet it provides some lubrication. Exhaust guide seals on a 2V flat 12 isnt doing the guides any favours due to how shrouded the guides are, they would have zero lubrication. It worked but there are better options and we know more now. The Testarossa is different, its very open around the exhaust valves so I wouldn't hesitate to put guide seals on one of them. A great example of what they thought was right back then buts crazy now is low compression pistons and 4 rings like a compressor.
     
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  6. Racing-Baker

    Racing-Baker Karting

    Jan 11, 2008
    216
    Beveren Leie
    Full Name:
    Enzo Duquesnoy
    I get it now. Thanks for the info!
    Quite a surprise at first but now it makes sence.
    I'm going for the factory setup: no seals then.

    Verstuurd vanaf mijn BLA-L29 met Tapatalk
     
    Newman likes this.
  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,035
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    Don't disagree -- they even thought it was a good idea on the TR design since they excluded them on the early euro version (but it must have mucked up the Lambda system and/or fouled the cats). Do you also exclude them when working on 365BB and 512BB heads?
     
  8. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    Dec 26, 2001
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    Newman
    No doubt it would increase HC numbers so they added them for us over here.

    Correct, I avoid running seals on the boxers. Guide clearances are a standard thing regardless of the engine and the rule of thumb for any working clearance is tight equals failure. Running dry guides is just as bad as running something tight.
     
    turbo-joe likes this.
  9. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
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    Aug 29, 2008
    5,246
    Madison Ohio
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    David A.
    I can't understand the 4 ring pistons? Most engines have had only three rings for eons. Racing engines only have two! But they are rebuilt often.
     
  10. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    Dec 26, 2001
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    Newman
    The daytona's had a 3 ring piston. I don't see a reason for it in the V8's but I could see why they might in the 1970's on a flat engine only because maybe the technology wasn't there for proper oil control? If the V8 and flat 12 shared the same piston then for cost reasons it makes sense but they dont and its not just a slight machining difference V8 vs flat 12.
     
  11. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
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    Newman
    My RC30 has 2 ring pistons, suggested ring replacement interval is every 10,000kms or 4 races!
     

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