Engine work - got the heads off
Discussion
A few months ago, I had to take Pandora off the road, as she was suffering from a persistent overheating problem, as well as pressurisation of the header tank.
I'd not long had her back on the road after restoration, a process which revealed a few surprises (inadequate fan incorrectly wired, thermostat missing), which pointed towards a history of overheating.
Anyhow, last week with help from a good friend of mine, we removed the cylinder heads:
In doing so, it became obvious that the front two cylinders on the driver's side had blown their gasket.
One had even filled with water and had a tell-tale 'tide line' on the cylinder bore.
Upon checking with a steel rule and feeler gauge, on head had a two-thou recession right where the gasket had failed the worse.
Anyhow, heads removed, I took them to an old engineering acquaintance of Dad, who's machined a lot of car parts and such for him over over the years.
I've just had them back tonight, and the machining quality is exceptional.
I take some pictures when I'm back in the garage next.
I'd not long had her back on the road after restoration, a process which revealed a few surprises (inadequate fan incorrectly wired, thermostat missing), which pointed towards a history of overheating.
Anyhow, last week with help from a good friend of mine, we removed the cylinder heads:
In doing so, it became obvious that the front two cylinders on the driver's side had blown their gasket.
One had even filled with water and had a tell-tale 'tide line' on the cylinder bore.
Upon checking with a steel rule and feeler gauge, on head had a two-thou recession right where the gasket had failed the worse.
Anyhow, heads removed, I took them to an old engineering acquaintance of Dad, who's machined a lot of car parts and such for him over over the years.
I've just had them back tonight, and the machining quality is exceptional.
I take some pictures when I'm back in the garage next.
adam quantrill said:
Head bolts or studs? Composite or tin?
Heads appeared never to have been off - hence was fitted with bolts and tin.Heads only needed 5thou off, so am refitting them with tin gaskets, and probably staying with bolts, but torquing the outer row to half torque, as per later factory guidance.
This. & I'd be using Composite + ARP studs.If the heads had needed more than 5thou off, I'd have gone composite.
Our V8 land rover has over 100,000 miles on the factory 3.5 with normal bolts and tin gaskets.
The heads have never been off from the factory, so I don't really see it as an issue.
If I was running mega boost or nitrous, head studs may be beneficial. However, I suspect one may develop holes in the cast pistons, first, before that becomes an issue.
Our V8 land rover has over 100,000 miles on the factory 3.5 with normal bolts and tin gaskets.
The heads have never been off from the factory, so I don't really see it as an issue.
If I was running mega boost or nitrous, head studs may be beneficial. However, I suspect one may develop holes in the cast pistons, first, before that becomes an issue.
Englishman said:
Really good to see you are still looking after her!
Here's a picture from 1986:
She's my absolute pride and joy Here's a picture from 1986:
I'm afraid the years since your ownership haven't been kind to her, but I'm doing my best to turn back the clock, and really get her sorted.
Very much looking forward to enjoying her this summer. Hopefully, there'll be an opportunity to reunite you with your old car
Bob.
voltage_maxx said:
She's my absolute pride and joy
I'm afraid the years since your ownership haven't been kind to her, but I'm doing my best to turn back the clock, and really get her sorted.
Very much looking forward to enjoying her this summer. Hopefully, there'll be an opportunity to reunite you with your old car
Bob.
One of the great things about TVR ownership, especially wedges, is that the current owners feel the passion for the marque that I did 20+ years ago and still do! Of my wedges, this 350i S2 my white 450SE and grey 390SE are still around and recent owners have been in touch. The only one I never hear anything about is my old 280i 2+2, ONE 652W which I owned in 1985. Probably gone, but if anyone knows it is still alive please let me know. I'm afraid the years since your ownership haven't been kind to her, but I'm doing my best to turn back the clock, and really get her sorted.
Very much looking forward to enjoying her this summer. Hopefully, there'll be an opportunity to reunite you with your old car
Bob.
If you ever head west near Salisbury let me know as I'd love to see her again.
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