What engine is this & what might be the issue?

[jdobson]

Sorry not the best picture, but would be great if someone could identify it for me, all I know is it's a 6 cylinder, 2.5 litre.

It's not running very well at the moment, fine when accelerating but when pulling away it's down on power and possibly misfiring. Will clean the plugs soon but if there's anything likely to be causing this problem all suggestions appreciating. It was running fine two days ago.

Cheers Jack

[langy]

Holden 161 or 179 engine. Should also be known as a 'grey motor'. EH ?

As with all old engines: plug gap, points, vacuum leaks, fuel leaks.

[101RRS]

I would also pick a 161 but a red motor - did the older grey motors get up to 161 size - I thought they were 149s.

Garry

[mudmouse]

The capacity (eg.179) is usually cast into the block in raised numbers about an inch tall. From memory down near the where the sump is mounted to the block - can't recall which side, but if you have a peek, you'll find it.

Matt.

[bee utey]

Well its a red motor, if the inlet manifold is original then its either a '68-on 138 (2250 Torana), 161 (2600), 173 (2850), 186 or 202 (3300). Of course if the manifold has been changed it could be a 149 or 179. The engine capacity is usually cast into the lower region of the block, under the manifold side from memory. The only engine without the engine size cast in is the "HP" block, usually a 149. The engine size in cubic inches also forms part of the engine number until the 161/186. Of course all the engines can be bored out to 192CI, with the exception of the 202 which can go a bit bigger, I can't remember by how much.

Multiply CI by 16.4 to get cm3. There is no 2.5 litre in that line-up, 149 is closest at 2.4.

Clear now?

[jdobson]

Hey thanks for the replies, I'll take a look for some numbers and get back to you. When it was running well it pulled like a train.

[lewy]

i reckon that the grey motor stopped at 138,the rest were red,and if it is a 202 it will have non adjustable tappets,hmmm havn't seen a chrome tappet cover in years

[Bigbjorn]

What is the engine number? This reveals all.

[wrinklearthur]

What is the engine number? This reveals all.

Hi All

AFAIK the grey motor had a side plate that came well up the side of the motor and also, the sparkplugs were fitted through holes in that plate.

With out pulling the sump off, the crank had four main bearings.

The lads, in days when I was a bit younger, used to hot these motors up, achieving some awesome horsepower from these little engines.
Triple SU's, port and polish, planed head, balanced crank, light weight pistons, matched conrods, dry sump, lightened flywheel, imported dizzy, extractors and chrome.

Cheers Arthur

[Lotz-A-Landies]

The grey motor also had a rounded rocker cover with a breather with what resembled a trumpet and a single engine mount under the front of the block.