Pictorial Review: 858 Auto Engines

[Lost_In_Noise]

Auto engines was released in 1980, contained 242 pieces, and featured a wide range of parts, and instructions to build 4 different engines. It was only availible in the USA, making it difficult to find nowadays.

So, I decided not to pay the asked price for the set, and rather part it out myself. 200$ is just too much for a set with such few parts, even though it is a limited release.

I ended up paying a total of USD 75 for the pieces, where the chrome faucet pieces alone total $24. The lowest price @ BrickLink for this edition is 200$ at the moment.

The instructions I had to find a scan of. They haven't been sold anywhere for a long time. This set can be put together as 4 different engine setups, which can be mounted on the 853 Auto Chassis. I'm going to show you all of them.

But first the parts:

This was the first Technic model to feature a Pulley wheel.

The Black rubber belt in this particular dimension was only used in the 8050Building Set With Motor from 1982, then discontinued. This part was the second hardest one to come by.

The "Blue Tap 1 x 2 Base with Chrome SilverSpout" was seen only in this and the 8860 Car Chassis, making it fetch an average Bricklink price of $1.50 each WHEN you can find them. Of course, you need 6 of them for this set.

The third rare part was the Classic 4mm hose in 12L. Although this was used in a couple of other sets ranging from 1977-1986, I had to order the six required from 3 different sellers.

Okay, on with the build...

First model: Straight 3 cylinder engine.

This engine starts with the crankshaft made of 4 axles and 24t gears.

The piston heads are placed at the third step.

Next is the axle which will actuate the engine valves; the camshaft. (thanks EdmanZA !)

The foundation is made of bricks and plates.

The two axles is joined with two technic bricks.

And placed atop the foundation. A 40T gear is connected to the crankshaft.

Some decorative slopes, and a frictionless pin for turning the 40T gear.

The distributor is placed on the side of the crankshaft. It uses a technique not often seen with a bush fitted to a plate to prevent the axle from turning. Only one side of the bush fits, so you'll have to pay attention to the instructions.

Here it is placed on the engine block.

The cylinders:

The top is made as a separate element, a yellow frame surrounds the cooling plates.

Lastly, pistons are inserted into the cylinders, and a rubber belt is placed between the crankshaft and a frictionless pin with a bush. This will drive the engine fan.

Another rubber belt is placed between the distributor and the camshaft.

Finally the axle with spark plugs is made.

The fan is made the same way as 8860 and 8865.

Here they are, placed on the top of the engine. You can see how the pushrods will hit the rockers.

The last to be placed on this engine are the power lines for the spark plugs. They run from the rare taps to the distributor. (thanks again EdmanZA)

A full cycle shown here. None of the parts on the other side moves.

Second model: V6 engine

The V6 has a different crankshaft, with two pistons per crankshaft center axle.

The red pieces here are used as the base of the cylinders.

The foundation ties all the loose pieces together.

The cylinders are brick-made, and has some taps for the fuel lines.

They are placed on each side of the crankshaft. Another rubber band is attached to a pulley wheel.

A fan is made before assembling the block.

Here you can see it driven by the axle with bush.

The cylinders are locked at a fixed angle by a 12L axle with a bush on each end.

Finally, the distributor finishes the model.

Full cycle:

Third model: 6-cylinder boxer

This build also starts with the fundation.

The cylinders are next.

Notice anything out of place? The instructions tell you to align the cylinders so the crankshaft will fit.

Speaking of crankshaft, here it is. Constructed the same way as the v6 engine.

The whole crankshaft with bricks is placed atop the foundation, and a 40T gear is added as a crank.

The fan base (see what I did there) is constructed as a separate element.

When placed on the frame, a 6 axle with a bush is passed through it to hold the rubber belt. This was rather tedious to get right, because the belt would fall in between the bricks, and get tangled between the wall and the lower pulley wheel. I ended up bending the axle in place.

The fan itself is made the same way as the other alternatives.

Next cooling vents and a base for the distributor.

The distributor itself finishes this model.

A full cycle:

Fourth model: 2-cycle engine

The last model of this set is the smallest one, with only one cylinder.

This model starts with the crankshaft.

The rubber band and the bush provides a good gear ratio. Both the rubber bands are used in this single function.

A simple fundation is made of bricks.

Same goes for the cylinder.

The faucet pieces are used for spark plugs here as well.

Although the instructions doesn't show the fuel lines connected to something, I'm going to assume they fit between the plates of the radiator.

The cylinder is placed on atop the crankshaft, finishing this model.

Turning the crank moves the piston.

Conclusion

This is an amazing set, considering the part count. I can easily see the learning aspect of it, and why it is so sough-after by collectors. All the different setups looks great, and the chromed parts is a nice touch. If you can get it as a reasonable price, why are you still reading? Go buy it!

As always, bit pics are availible here.

[Sammi]

Wow, nice, I really didnt know that it was going for $200 :|

[SheepEater]

Yeah, I ended up bricklinking this set myself - except I settled for the regular gray faucets, and found some nice used instructions. None of the parts are rare or expensive.

Here is my 853 fitted with my 858 engine in the back.

Edited October 17, 2012 by SheepEater

[Tadej]

Great set, i wish Lego would make engines as a set these days.