Stag engines

Willy Eckerslyke (oss108no snipped-for-privacy@bangor.ac.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

"You bought that heap o' s**te...? Bwaahahahahahahahah! "

Its not uncommon to put a shim under the heads, usually means that the heads have been skimmed way too far or several times. You can measure the thickness of the heads to see how much has been removed.

By that you may have no problems removing the heads as someone else has removed them recently.

There are instructions to re torque the cylinder head bolts at certain service intervals. 1000 miles was the first. Maybe worth while just checking. all 55ft/lbs bolts and studs. Tension all the studs first - starting on the middle. then the bolts again starting in the middle.

This may solve the water problem.

rm

And your point is?

Of course! And that hadn't even occured to me.

Will do.

Now that's the sort of positive thinking I like! Thanks again Rob. The next exciting instalment will come after the weekend...

My Stag had allegedly had it's engine rebuilt some years back but was then dry-stored for 13 years!! During this period it allegedly had it's oil and antifreeze replaced annualy and was run up to full operating temp for a few hours at a time every few months. When I bought it I put it up on my ramps and whilst looking over the underside I noticed fresh antifreeze leaks along the lower edges of both head gaskets. Fighting the temptation to panic, I retorqued the heads when cold (the following morning) and it's never leaked since. That was 14 months ago. It's got to be worth a try. Badger.