Running again.. again..

So, when doing a job for the second time, the desire and patience to photograph the steps is lacking somewhat. But what has happened as of today is that the cylinder head was refaced by Classic and Modern Engine Services of Bracknell, valves re-lapped and refitted, new gasket arrived, engine re-assembled.

Torqued down, started engine (after repairing the coil-dizzy cable... that was a curve ball!)

Warmed engine, fixed water leaks and most importantly - RE torqued the head!! (and double checked valve clearances again). It was quite loose frankly just after warming for 5 minutes, a good indicator that it was the original problem, because I DIDN'T re-torque. Only my dad has pointed this out, he remembers that practice from the 50's. Hopefully that was it. Left the thermostat out for now, have loosened off the radiator drain tap, so emptying the system is easy when needed now.

Look on the bright side, only two weeks off the road. Only £50 spent. Two advantages this time, skimmed head, therefore perfectly flat. Sheared bolt replaced. OK, bought a torque wrench too, didn't use the Hylomar in the end.

So as of this evening, Amy is running again - has done a couple of laps. Once around town, once to the motorway roundabout and back.

So far so good, again. Happy?.. Well, I will be if I get some problem free driving again. And I have Becky for bad weather / salty wet road days over winter. It made sense and is a cheap little runaround. Great.