1.3 Copen - Really, a cast iron engine block?

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by Soc, Jun 19, 2016.

  1. Soc

    Soc Copenworld Regular

    Joined:
    May 26, 2016
    Location:
    Cardiff
    Car(s):
    Daihatsu Copen
    Hi all. Spent some time yesterday going over my new Copen looking at areas which will need my attention, such as wheel arch rust repair and stone guard application, clutch adjustment, speakers and audio upgrade and many other small jobs. I was shocked to see that the lower engine block is badly corroded. Can anyone tell me if the engine block is really made out of cast iron and not alloy which I though most modern engines were made (last 10 years) especially Japanese. I know the Nissan Micra K10 which was launched around 2002 has an all alloy engine. I have attached a photo for reference.


    IMG_0918 (4).jpg
     
  2. Salieri

    Salieri Copenworld Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Location:
    Germany
    Car(s):
    Used to have a White Copen, but I sold it in 2023
    You are right, its a cast iron block with an aluminum head. But this kind of corrosion is not as bad as it looks, it is actually just superficial. If you have the time you could paint it :D
     
  3. Soc

    Soc Copenworld Regular

    Joined:
    May 26, 2016
    Location:
    Cardiff
    Car(s):
    Daihatsu Copen
    I wonder why they went for cast iron block, cost or added weight ? As for painting the block, I have enough work and rust spots to sort out already thanks
     
  4. Salieri

    Salieri Copenworld Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Location:
    Germany
    Car(s):
    Used to have a White Copen, but I sold it in 2023
    Cast iron Blocks are quite durable. I think it was a good choice. In Germany, we call engines such as the 1.3 liter K3-VE an "iron pig", as they are nearly indestructible.
     
  5. drewbot

    drewbot Copenworld Newbie

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2015
    Location:
    UK
    Car(s):
    Copen turbo
    Cast iron isn't that bad weight wise since the design engineers use the extra strength to slim down wall thicknesses etc. With such a small engine it also makes a smaller difference proportionally to the weight of the whole vehicle. Manufacturers are also going back to cast iron for emissions reasons. The new 1.0l ecoboost uses an iron block because the reduced heat capacity and conductivity, compared to aluminium, means the engine warms up quicker. This gives better fuel consumption and emissions in the period after a cold start.
     
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