Don't loose Your Head

It's been a while so I've lots to tell you all. The head looked fairly grotty when it came off. As youi can see no. 2 cylinder was very oily and was most likely the source of most of the smoke. The other cylinders don't look too bad and there was not as much carbon build up as I expected.

There was no sign of any cracks and the gasket showed no obvious faults. But then it's not as though I drove it for miles (ok I did, should have said weeks) with the head gasket blowing. I have stripped the head and the valves are all intact. I have cleaned the head up as well and the only problem I can see is that the exhaust guides for no 2 and no 3 cylinders have a little colour to them indicating that they had got rather hot. I am still contemplating what to do next though. The head does not apprear to be warped as I could only get a 5 thou feeler under the middle edges of the head with it flat on a surface table. There may well be a bidder gap between the combustion chambers so I will have it skimed anyway. I will also put new guides in as they are relatively cheap and easy to install. I can't believe there are no proper valve stem seals only a wafty o ring.

Cylinder 1

Cylinder 2

Cylinder 3

Cylinder 4

I will clean up the ports a little and take out all the carbon build ups before the new guides are fitted. Although I have decided against getting the unleaded conversion done just yet. Why you may ask. Well I was reminded of the fact that I have a half share in a Rover V8 engine and that so long as I can get a suitable gearbox to fit then this could be fitted to the car. Yes it really is starting to sound like a full on restoration project.

So now my plan is to freshen up the head, regrind the valves with the new guides in, skim the head and refit it. This way I can get it running and find out if I have done any damage to the rings and bottom end. With luck all will be well and I can continue to use the car for the rest of the summer. If the bottom end is knackered then I did not waste money on the unleaded conversion and can then use that money to fund part of the v8 conversion. The simplest way to go (not the best possibly) will be to follow the factory installs and used the 4 syncro gearbox of which I have the one currently fitted (non overdrive) and two spare OD gearboxes of unknown condition. All I really need is an engine back plate to join the engine and gearbox. If I have no luck I may make one. How difficult can it be I ask you?!