Engine out and inspection:
Engine now out, cylinder head removed and the reason why it won’t turn over becomes apparent! Piston number 4 is stuck in the bore; part of it has become detached! Number 4 spark plug shears off, and the combustion chamber shows trauma.
More images of the engine – cylinder 4 has lots of rust, all pistons firmly stuck! Engine has been painted green at some point. Spark plug broken in cylinder 4, combustion chamber looks bad also. We suspect that water has got in over the years:
First time sump removal to examine the engine!
When the sump was drained pure water came out first followed by oil/water mix and then oil. This shows that water has got in while the engine has been standing; if it was in when running the crank would stir it up into a mayonaise type mix. The crank is dry with surface rust, while the oil pick up pipe has been immersed in the oil/water mix.
Engine block and cylinder head delivered to Cylinder Rebores in Nuneaton who are able to strip the block and assess what needs to be done. The head needs new exhaust valve seats for unleaded fuel, and one of the inlet valve seats needs to be replaced (cylinder 4!). Photos show work part way through:
Stuck pistons finally removed by Cyl Rebore; 4 cylinders ok for reboring, 2 need liners due to corrosion:
Cylinder head stripped down; broken plug removed. Exhaust valve seats replaced with hardened versions for unleaded fuel. All valves except 1 can re re-used; replacement valve is genuine Standard-Triumph!
Engine now returned – block has 2 liners fitted and all bored out to 30 thou; cylinder head fitted with new exhaust seats plus 1 new inlet valve and seats. Crankshaft ground and all ready for re-building.
Engine rebuilds begins! New pistons to match the +0.030″ rebore; crank ground 0.010″ under size. Engine turns over nicely.
Camshaft fitted and being timed using verier cam wheel. Timing for these is 35° ; 65° for inlet number 1 cylinder. This means that the valve opens 35° before TDC, and closes 65° after BDC. Total opening is 280° (35°+180°+65°). Maximum opening occurs after 140° of rotation, which is 105° on the timing wheel, which is set to accurately show TDC at 0°. (cam opens at 35° before TDC, so maximum opening is 140°-35° = 105°).
Cylinder head being fitted
More engine photos – rocker shaft ready for new shaft:
Rocker shaft, new manifod studs, recon original water pump all fitted:
Adaptor plate for J type gearbox fitted to the chassis:
Engine and gearbox fitted to chassis:
New old stock clutch plate came with the car, as did many other nos parts:
