The engine is seized.

[Tom999w]

The engine is seized on the project car I just bought. Three spark plugs are finger tight and one is missing. So my question is, when these engines seize (I'm assuming it seized from sitting many years, not because it was driven incorrectly), is the source of the seizing usually on the bottom end or the top end? I've had boat motors that seized up over the winter and was always able to crack them loose with some marvel mystery oil, then they'd run great. But if the source of the seizing in this Europa is possibly on the bottom end then I'll have to pull the engine out for a rebuild...

[dakazman]

 Tom,

   My last 3 were cracked pistons, if its a project car I would go for piece of mind and tear down the engine. There are many, REALLY
 EXCELLENT Engine builders here. It would be a shame to go through all of a rebuild and then blow an engine. I had no choice not driving mine before the rebuild but found that 50 year old freeze out plugs and paper seals just don't last, amoung other items..

   Dakazman
     
   

[4129R]

Rust in the bores stopping the pistons moving.

Two bores in my last rebuild were so bad, I had to have new standard bore liners put in, but the pistons were fine after careful cleaning.

[MRN I J]

The engine is seized on the project car I just bought. Three spark plugs are finger tight and one is missing. So my question is, when these engines seize (I'm assuming it seized from sitting many years, not because it was driven incorrectly), is the source of the seizing usually on the bottom end or the top end? I've had boat motors that seized up over the winter and was always able to crack them loose with some marvel mystery oil, then they'd run great. But if the source of the seizing in this Europa is possibly on the bottom end then I'll have to pull the engine out for a rebuild...

Renault ot TC ?

[Tom999w]

It's a Type 65 S2 Renault engine..

[Richard48Y]

You have an advantage over the TC's.
Removable cylinder sleeves and aluminum block/head. 

[TVrebel]

Need HELP!
I bought a 71 Europa S2 with a Renault 16 1.6L and I went to do a compression test and had 70, 80, 70, 80. I want a total rebuild from lower end to top end kit (all gaskets, rings, rod bearings, cam bearings, wrist pins ect. ect. I am having trouble finding an overhaul kit. Can anyone steer me to the right place to buy this kit or does anyone even make one.
Thanks for you help.
PS This is the tag on the left side of the block. Can anyone tell me what its for.

[TVrebel]

Can anyone tell me what this tag means.

[GavinT]

G'day, TV,

The 697-xx indicates it's a 1470cc engine as fitted to Euro cars.
Federal cars were fitted with 821-xx engines which were 1565cc.

Given you're rebuilding the engine, I'd suggest removing the head so as to be able to measure pistons and valves etc. to be absolutely sure what you have.
The low compression may indicate it's a stock Renault engine.

[jbcollier]

Strip it down, check it all out and make a list of everything you need.  We can recommend suppliers based on your location and what you need.

These are not small block Chevs or Fords where you can order kits.

[TVrebel]

Anyone know where I can pick up a TC transaxle for a Zetec conversion on my S2.

Bill

[jbcollier]

Just be warned it is a VERY tight fit and will, at the least, have to make an access panel in the firewall.

[TVrebel]

Thanks for the advice. I might be coming back to ask questions in the near future. I hope that might be OK.
TVrebel

[Richard48Y]

Any update here?
I am in the process of rebuilding my Renault based engine.
At first parts were difficult but I have been able to find resources for everything now.
The Renault engine is a jewel in many ways.
You can increase displacement pretty easily since it is a wet-sleeve engine.
Exchange rates are very good right now.
I am rooting for you to retain the Renault engine which will go a long way toward the car NOT becoming another stalled project.

[BDA]

Anyone know where I can pick up a TC transaxle for a Zetec conversion on my S2.

Bill

Lotus Supplies sells NG3 Renault trannies (https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/gearbox/renault-gearbox/gearbox-ng3-s-13/ ) including shift linkage you’ll need a TC bell housing (I think they are reproductions) which they also sell but you may be able to find one cheaper. Apparently, Zetecs had different bell housing bolt pattern, something I was surprised to hear, so you should check that yours has the Kent bell housing bolt pattern.