Power train assembly
Richard's Renault Dauphine
The Restoration of my Renault Dauphine
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Power train assembly
This month I'm finally ready to assemble the engine. But first I decided to take the shell to the body shop to complete the undercarriage and engine compartment where the rust and patches are not acceptable. While he does that I'll try to assemble the rest.
I've had a water distribution tube made out of stainless steel, with the ends filled slightly to fit tightly into their respective places and the holes drilled at the right distances.
I got replacement rings from Argentina since one of the oil control rings was broken. Although this set is supposed be for this car, it had an extra set of expanders for the middle ring (which would not fit) and the expanders for the oil control rings are to wide. So I used the expanders from the old set.
I was also surprised that the "complete" gasket set had no o-rings or copper cylinder gaskets, and many of the holes do not line up properly. Also the carburetor gasket only had 3 of the 4 holes punched. Overall I'm very disappointed with the quality of this kit.
The engine has gone together nicely, although I had to replace a stud with the next larger thread. I've modified the oil filter adapter for a common ¾" thread instead of the original 16 mm. The only 16 mm filters in the market are not worth putting on the car. Now I can use the same Donaldson P502016 oil filter that I use on my Corvair. I have since noticed that the US parts catalogs indicate that the US version of this car had ¾" filters. Maybe 16 mm was only for France. I also made a plate to cover the fuel pump opening since I will be using an electric fuel pump.
The differential has some play, so I got shims to adjust it. Then assembled it to the cross member and assembled the shocks, springs, brakes, etc.
The body shop finished straightening and patching the engine compartment, and I had the rest ready.
Finally I assembled the engine to the power train, added the rear wheels lifted the car onto blocks, pushed the power train under the car and lowered the body onto the cross-member, then installed the rear engine support.
I've had a water distribution tube made out of stainless steel, with the ends filled slightly to fit tightly into their respective places and the holes drilled at the right distances.
I got replacement rings from Argentina since one of the oil control rings was broken. Although this set is supposed be for this car, it had an extra set of expanders for the middle ring (which would not fit) and the expanders for the oil control rings are to wide. So I used the expanders from the old set.
I was also surprised that the "complete" gasket set had no o-rings or copper cylinder gaskets, and many of the holes do not line up properly. Also the carburetor gasket only had 3 of the 4 holes punched. Overall I'm very disappointed with the quality of this kit.
The engine has gone together nicely, although I had to replace a stud with the next larger thread. I've modified the oil filter adapter for a common ¾" thread instead of the original 16 mm. The only 16 mm filters in the market are not worth putting on the car. Now I can use the same Donaldson P502016 oil filter that I use on my Corvair. I have since noticed that the US parts catalogs indicate that the US version of this car had ¾" filters. Maybe 16 mm was only for France. I also made a plate to cover the fuel pump opening since I will be using an electric fuel pump.
The differential has some play, so I got shims to adjust it. Then assembled it to the cross member and assembled the shocks, springs, brakes, etc.
The body shop finished straightening and patching the engine compartment, and I had the rest ready.
Finally I assembled the engine to the power train, added the rear wheels lifted the car onto blocks, pushed the power train under the car and lowered the body onto the cross-member, then installed the rear engine support.
