Can anybody recommend someone preferably in the Surrey/Sussex area who could do some work on my E-Type 4.2 Series 1? I'm looking for a personal recommendation, not just a list from the yellow pages and classic car advts - I already have those.
Background - the engine was totally rebuilt (rebore, crank grind, head - everything) about 20,000 miles ago. It has been properly serviced and driven since then. At about 10,000 miles it developed an intermittent problem - occasional clouds of white/grey smoke from the left hand tail pipe. Went back to the people who built it, and they found that one of three carbs was way out; they balanced them and it seemed to cure the problem (although I still can't quite see the connection).
Recently, on a short run, it started running on five. Checked all the obvious electrics - all OK. But then a compression test showed virtually nothing on no 5 pot. Further investigation showed that the sump was pressurising - ever seen a dipstick climbing slowly out all by itself? Scary! I assume this implies a blown piston, or at least rings.
Until now I have had complete confidence in the people who did the restoration, but recently there have been a few incidents which have put some doubt in my mind. And their estimate for even stripping the engine to assess the damage was of mortgage proportions. So, I'd like a second opinion. But it has to be someone I can trust - I'm not just looking for the cheapest job.
Any suggestions, please?
Geoff MacK