Opinions on an engine rebuild - Broken Pushrod guide

[French Coupé]

ScimmyMike I've sent you a PM

BTW something looks odd on left valve guide against the seat, is the seat damaged?

Well spotted! I hadn't noticed that, I'll have a closer look next time I'm working on the car.

If you phone Specialised Engines
Give them the engine number they can confirm if it's been rebuilt by themselves.

Valve stems seals.
Will they not tap down over the casting.
Socket or tube over the edge of seal.

That's good to know, I'll get in touch with them. You can't see it in the photo, but the diameter of the later type seal is much too small and the rubber is hard (maybe reinforced with a metal ring?), I'm pretty sure it would split if it was forced.

[French Coupé]

I thought this thread was over and done with; unfortunately the Coupé had other ideas!
On the very day I was going to change the oil and adjust the tappets after the running in period, a pushrod guide broke, which was nice... Burton's don't seem to stock them so it looks like I'll be advertising in the wanted section!

The question is, did the pushrod guide just give up the ghost because of age/fragility/previous damage, allowing the rocker to slip off the valve stem, or could the rocker arm adjuster have loosened off enough to allow the rocker to slip off the valve stem, thus breaking the guide? I'm more inclined to think it was the guide which went first, but your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[scimjim]

IMHO the front and rear guides break because people torque the heads down with a standard socket (you need a thin-wall socket) placing undue strain on the fingers.

[scimjim]

PM your address and I’ll stick one on the post.

[French Coupé]

Wow, that was quick, thanks Jim!

IMHO the front and rear guides break because people torque the heads down with a standard socket

Ah, "people" - as in me when I put the heads back on! Oh well, I won't be making that mistake again. You live and learn!