Post
by Rev Light » Sat May 06, 2017 2:55 pm
Recent issues being looked at.
1. The exhaust manifold is blowing quite badly on the driver's side.
2. High idle after sustained high speed run - only returns to a normal idle when throttle blipped (quite a big blip actually). Then instantly back up high again next time you use the accelerator.
3. Leaking rocker cover gasket.
So tools out this morning in an attempt to cure all of the above:
Alas, my fears were not unfounded, when I tried to remove the manifold bolts, which looked as if they had not been disturbed in a very long time. Experience has taught me to not disturb these things unless you have no other alternative. I got 5 out ok, but the top one, closest to the firewall has snapped, leaving its threaded section in the head, inaccessible to repair in situ.
Looking at all the other bolts, I was a lucky chap to get 5 of them out, as they were all 'waisted' and corroded in the mid section. Not going to be able to do anything about it in the short term without pulling the head or the entire engine. I am hoping to be in a position to pull the engine this coming winter, as I have other jobs I wanted to be getting on with, core plugs, rear main seal, general clean up and paint, etc.
So it went back together with 5 new bolts and new gaskets. I do not think it will hold for long though. Still, not much in the way of old gasket was in evidence, only one semi intact and a couple of scraps. I will hold off doing the other side as it is not blowing yet.
The rocker cover went on with a another new gasket and some gloop, hopefully it will stop dribbling down the side of the engine.
The idle issue, seems to be an airlock up at the carb, I have already replaced the throttle cable, which needed a new one anyway. I had also noticed, recently, the temp gauge going off and on and a generally reading low. And I am having to top up the water now and again. However my drive is sloped, nose down is usual for parking, and my water bottle was full, which was giving me a false sense of security. Anyway topped up from the highest point now. Can you bleed the coolant from the carb? I noticed a bolt there on the side of the inlet/outlet housing, but was not sure of its function.
When I ran the car up to temp, I could hear some hissing, which I tracked down to the expansion bottle top pipe coming from the top of the engine. Re-securing pipe seems to stop the hissing and hopefully the source of the coolant leak.
Well the smoke has cleared from all the release agent on the cast manifold. The Scimitar sounds much better than it has any right to. Time to put the tools away and clear up.
Three jobs done, one to be re-done and another to be added to the list.
I think I am ahead on the day...Just.
Steve H
SE5a 'Fancier'