18 replies to this topic

[black olive]

+1 for head gasket.

 

you can whip the head off in half an hour if you're angry enough with it

[Northernpower]

I would agree with the others in taking the head off, you'll find its one of the easiest engines to take the head off. If you have'nt got a Haynes manual, invest in one, you'll find them on ebay at a reasonable price. Once you've got it off check both the head and the block are true with a steel rule. If you have one run a surface plate with some wet and dry over both. As Cooperman says, lap the valves and fit valve stem oil seals.

[dyshipfakta]

good Time to consider a new water pump and thermostat too unless they are recent. Also replace the bypass hose with silicone.

[Cooperman]

So the general consensus is that the head gasket should be changed and the valve seats re-lapped and new stem seals fitted to all 8 valves.
Fit a new by-pass hose, new manifold gasket, possibly a new water pump and a new rocker cover gasket.
It is unlikely that the distributor cap needs replacing, but new plug leads and plugs would be wise.
Check and set the ignition timing, check the carburettor operation and fill the carb dash pot with 3-in-1 oil.
Maybe a new fan belt too.