16-05-2019, 08:58 PM
(This post was last modified: 16-05-2019, 09:14 PM by Ruairidh Dunford.)
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.
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.