[DML] re-Opinions, & Assistance Greatly Appreciated!

["Bruce Benson" <delornut@xxxxxxx>]

We have a local owner going through the same situation. The problem with 
using epoxy for the repair is the different expansion rates between the 
epoxy and the aluminum. There is also the real possibility of the epoxy, 
prior to curing, dripping into the oil gallery and plugging it. When 
disussing the problem with the local owner I suggested fabricating an 
aluminum block the exact size as the leaking cavity between the spars. The 
new piece of aluminum would reach the top of the spars where it could be 
heli-arc'd  solid to the surrounding spars. It would, in other words, be a 
big plug. The molten aluminum created during the welding would be at the top 
of the cavity where it couldn't flow into the oil gallery and the newly 
fabricated piece would fill the cavity so as not to allow an unwanted oil 
reservoir. The welding would seal the cavity all around the top of the 
spars. I haven't seen this done but I can't imagine why it wouldn't work and 
it would sure be a lot less work and expense than changing out the engine 
block.

Bruce Benson


After selling my first DeLorean early last year due to financial concerns I 
purchased a couple of different lower priced vehicles and worked on them to 
pass the time but couldn't shake the DeLorean bug.  I attended the Chicago 
show last year which really stoked my interest again so I decided to try 
again this year and purchased VIN #2816 in August.  From the start I knew it 
would need some work but my confidence was higher after talking to folks and 
working on my former car (VIN #3760)so I figured I was ready for the 
challenge.  The owner had removed the PRV motor and swapped in a Ford 302 
from a 1973 Mercury Comet which was interesting but I always intended to put 
the original engine back in.  After ordering $600 worth of replacement parts 
I began the process of preparing the old engine only to discover that a 
dreaded epoxy repair had been made in the Valley Of Death.  With no signs of 
a coolant leak my thoughts were that perhaps the motor threw a rod and 
compromised the block.  At any rate, the engine could not be reinstalled in 
that shape so I decided I should try and sell the car rather then get in to 
a financial sandtrap again.  I listed the car at less than what I paid for 
it but it did not sell on eBay(check out item #180176184557 for more details 
and photos) which is not surprising due to the time of year but I thought I 
would try anyway.  So now I'm back where I started except that the only way 
I can see making my goal happen of getting the car back to specs is to find 
a replacement engine.  DeLorean Houston wants $5200 for their motors which 
is WAY out of my league and I'm not sure how readily available used PRV 
motors are.  I've gotten myself in a bit of a pickle as I truly wanted to 
make this car original again but a compromised engine block is standing in 
my way.  The car itself is better than my first one with a nice straight 
body, a clean frame, and many new parts already installed and I think it has 
enormous potential.  I have all of the original components which the 
previous owner kept in case the engine swap was to be reversed.  So here is 
where I turn to the DeLorean experts to give my their thoughts-what should I 
do with this vehicle?  Does anyone know a source for a used PRV engine less 
than $5200?  Am I a complete idiot for loving DeLoreans so much?  Any advice 
or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I try and sort this situation 
out.
Thanks everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
Mike

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