Re: "French" PRV

[jtrealty@xxxx]

The earlier versions of the B28 (prior to the B28F in the Delorean)
got a reputation for bad camshafts. This could be due to lubrication
problems or maybe they just didn't harden them correctly, I don't
know. The camshaft is one of the hardest working parts in a motor
with no direct lubrication on the lobes but very high pressures on
them pushing the tappets against the valve springs. There do not seem
to be too many complaints about the PRV in the Delorean. The only
caveat is NEVER OVERHEAT!!!!! It can't take overheat, but then again
most overhead valve motors can't either. In the case of the Delorean
though it doesn't take much to compromise the cooling system with all
the hoses, the electrical fans, air blockages, etc that can go wrong.
IMHO if an owner doesn't COMPLETELY go over the cooling system and
replace ALL the 20 year old parts then he is flirting with disaster.
Running an origional fan fail relay can cost you a motor. The bypass
wire can not only overheat the motor, it can cause an electrical fire
that can burn up the car! It makes me laugh when people say a Fanzilla
is expensive! Figure out what a motor can cost and a Fanzilla will
look like a bargain. The PRV is one of the most reliable things in the
Delorean, just keep it tuned up with new parts, fix all the vacuum
leaks, and keep the cooling system in the best shape you can. One
measure of how rugged the PRV really is can be seen on any car that is
turbocharged. Putting 6 lbs of boost on a stock motor and it still
lives shows how over-engineered it is.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757



--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, abbotts@xxxx wrote:
> The PRV's poor reputation is only partially deserved IMHO. My feeling 
> is that the early versions had some design and manufacturing flaws 
> which can be overcome with a bit (a lot?) of work. One of the worst 
> flaws is the engine's propensity to leak coolant into the oil when 
> the cylinder sleeve seals fail. I have a strong suspicion that the