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+--- Thread: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... (/showthread.php?tid=2802)
Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Ruairidh Dunford - 16-05-2019
So, today I went to start the Chummy and it was seized!
The battery has been soft so I installed another, still locked, so fitted a new starter motor - same!
Eventually, with much rocking in gear, I freed it - fired up and drive around the block, on returning I noticed it was boiling - many bubbles!!
Head gasket, I thought. Removed all nuts - no movement! I built this engine in 2004 and it has done 43K since - the head was an original vintage aluminium Ricardo which has performed faultlessly but was now well and truly seized onto the block.
I fired up the engine and revved, it ran on all four cylinders but did not budge. I used my magnificent induction coil heater on all the studs, got them glowing cherry red - no movement. By now we are 3 1/2 hours in, my back is killing me and it is 25c (yes! 25c in Glasgow!!)...
I have a strong cup of coffee and phoned father - he suggests what I have concluded and dreaded.
Huge and sharp chisel arrives - still no movement!!
Huger and sharper chisel arrives plus more induction heat - MOVEMENT!!!!!!
It now takes and hour to get the head fully off - my back is in absolute agony at this point, I am 6' 3", the engine is near my knees. I remove the gasket and store it for a rainy day (see picture).
I fit another head and gasket - on tightening a stud snaps!!!
I replace stud, head, tighten, fill with water - it starts and runs sweet! 6 hours after starting I pick up the girls from school (in said Chummy), take them to Tennis, return home, cook the dinner and lie on the kitchen floor in a desperate attempt to straighten my spine. This getting older sh*t is pretty poor I have to tell you.
Seizure due to water intake and hydraulic lock - I presume.
FOR SALE - original Ricardo head - one careful owner - free head gasket, only used once.
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Ruairidh Dunford - 16-05-2019
PS - Tony Griffiths was the last person to drive this car and it was perfect before he did so!!!
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - David.H - 16-05-2019
Brilliant summary!
A drop of local falling down water is now in order!
David
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Ruairidh Dunford - 16-05-2019
I'm on it David!
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Mike Costigan - 16-05-2019
(16-05-2019, 09:01 PM)Ruairidh Dunford Wrote: PS - Tony Griffiths was the last person to drive this car and it was perfect before he did so!!!
I was about to suggest something, but you got there first
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Tony Griffiths - 16-05-2019
Yes, but it ran out of fuel afer 200 yards! Still, I was very impressed with both the take off and handling. A driving test winner, for sure...
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Ruairidh Dunford - 16-05-2019
I checked the tank today Anthony - it was half full!
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Tony Griffiths - 16-05-2019
What you need is a special "Wortley" head. This is a standard vintage type with 60 thou off and the combustion chambers reshaped by hand, with a grinding wheel held in a drill, so that it resembles a late Ruby type. Looks standard, goes well.
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Martin Prior - 16-05-2019
'Twas on a Monday morning, the Gas Man came to call....................................
RE: Lick of paint Mr Faulty... - Ruairidh Dunford - 16-05-2019
(16-05-2019, 09:40 PM)Tony Griffiths Wrote: What you need is a special "Wortley" head. This is a standard vintage type with 60 thou off and the combustion chambers reshaped by hand, with a grinding wheel held in a drill, so that it resembles a late Ruby type. Looks standard, goes well.
Ah - you thought my replacement head was standard!