Right back to where I started four years ago

[ukkid35]

steve320ise said:

Hi, how many miles did it do before the hg failed , and did you have the heads skimmed last time , the unskimmed photo looks very worn and the skimmed one looks like it could do with a little more off,Im on with mine and so not looking forward to it going again, just a note skimming the head is about surface finish as well as being flat, all the very best I will keep my fingers crossed for you, Cheers

Over 20k miles before the failure. Previous head skim was extremely aggressive, this time much less so thankfully. I don't care what the non-mating surface looks like, that damage mainly happened before my ownership during an extended period of neglect.

[ukkid35]

[ukkid35]

Two months from when I started this thread and I still haven't heard the engine run. I'm cutting it really close as I need to leave for DN13 first thing Tuesday morning - not much time for setup or finessing. Anyway here a few few more pics showing my newfound obsession with colour matched powder coating. I've also ditched the really tatty fuel/electric heat shield after my gf commented on how rubbish it was when she helped me torquing the head bolts (oh the shame!)

Edited by ukkid35 on Saturday 26th September 23:20

[ukkid35]

So near and yet so far. I need to leave for Germany in under 36 hours and I haven't heard the engine run yet.

Pressurized the fuel system and all good, tried to fill the cooling system and I have several leaks. Fixed a couple of them by using longer silicon hose and new clamps, but two have defeated me. A few hours ago in desperation I tried using the black RTV Sealant I used on the cam covers, and so far I have resisted the temptation to refill the system on the basis that the longer I can leave it to cure the better.

Just to complicate matters somewhat I have to try to retrieve the passenger side airbox bracket from my elusive welder, and do a full day in the office tomorrow as well.

You would not believe how long I have worked to get the car ready for this trip, and right now it is looking very touch and go. I really can't give up because the weather forecast for the Ring looks great for the Wed/Thur track days.

[gruffalo]

Get some of this stuff, simply brilliant.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/fernox-ls-x-leak-sealer-...


Can help tomorrow evening if you need me.

[ukkid35]

gruffalo said:

Get some of this stuff, simply brilliant.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/fernox-ls-x-leak-sealer-...


Can help tomorrow evening if you need me.

Thanks, much appreciated. Great to have another option to try, and easy to get to Screwfix too.

However, things have really conspired against me, as I managed to put my only key fob through the washing machine - DOH! Just what I need right now...

After much faffing around I have discovered that it still works, but it's as if the button is permanently pressed. So to use the fob I have to insert the batteries briefly to mimic the action of a button press. Extremely irritating but seemingly reliable. Don't want to be stuck at the front of the Eurotunnel and unable to start the engine - that would not be good.

[ukkid35]

Filled the cooling system this morning and leaks seem to have stopped - but the engine won't start.