12 replies to this topic

[phil_clubman]

1994 1275 cc sprite

hey all.

ive just literally got my car back on the road after a month. i have replaced the head with an oselli stage 2/3. ive put twin 1.5 SU's on and some 1.5.1 roller tip rockers on.

i changed the head with using the haynes manual and ive set the rockers at 15thou. the carbs have been tuned up by a mechanic enough to get me to a rolling road next week.

i just took it out for a spin round the block a few times and its very spluttery at half throttle. but it runs fine when i put my foot down. when i got back home it was smoking quite a lot from under the bonnet so i opend it and there was a bit of oil coming out from under the rocker cover onto the exhaust. so i took off the cover to make sure the gasket was on proper (its a cork one) and loads of oil poured out from inside the cover all over my engine bay.

should there be that much oil on the rockers in the rocker cover? im just worried i may have damaged a vavle or somthing putting the head on. could a didgy valve of caused this?

please help, cheers, phil

[chris_gilly]

maybe theres an air lock,could try draining the oil and filling it up again,
or
when filling up the rocker fills completly, then maybe on of the oil channels is blocked. try cleaning them all out,

hope this helps

[Dan]

Nothing to do with a valve but the oil is supposed to return down the push rod bores and the drain slots at the back of the engine. The rocker box shouldn't hold a great amount of oil at any time. Where did you get your head gasket and how did you go about replacing it?

[phil_clubman]

maybe theres an air lock,could try draining the oil and filling it up again,
or
when filling up the rocker fills completly, then maybe on of the oil channels is blocked. try cleaning them all out,

hope this helps

ok thanks. would i have to take the head off to clean them out?

heres a pic of them after id wiped it all down. there was more oil when i first took it off.

[phil_clubman]

i made sure the block was nice and clean and the head and checked it with a set square to make sure it was flat which it was. i got the gasket from a place round the corner called speedy parts. ive had bits from them in the past and no problems.
i tightend it up like it says in the haynes but only turning each nut half a turn at a time.

phil

[Dan]

A picture of the back edge where the oil is supposed to return to the sump would be better if you have one.

[998dave]

crankcase pressure building up? caused by blocked breathers? Forcing oil and air up the pushrod holes?

Just an idea...

[Ethel]

Don't see how the head gasket can effect this (unless it's blowing). the pushrod holes are far too big. Either something is obstructing drain down from the cam followers or too much oil is getting through the rockers.

[phil_clubman]

ok so i refitted my rocker cover and gasket to make sure it was on proper n left it idling in my back garden for 15 mins. went back to it theres not as much oil or smoke but it is still filling up. also there was coolant p****ng out all over my interior and the T bars were too hot to undo and get some pics. ill let it cool down and get some pics up after work tonight. cheers for the help everyone

[Jammy]

Don't see how the head gasket can effect this (unless it's blowing). the pushrod holes are far too big. Either something is obstructing drain down from the cam followers or too much oil is getting through the rockers.

Gasket gone could pressurise the crankcase?

[mini_turbo_pete]

on 1.5 roller rockers you should set the tappets to 18 thou...

Were your rockers new or second hand?

[phil_clubman]

on 1.5 roller rockers you should set the tappets to 18 thou...

Were your rockers new or second hand?

they are brand new mini spares ones. the guy on the phone i spoke to when ordering them said 15thou. i though it was odd when i took it out for a spin and it was tappety under load. ill re adjust them to 18thou.

i had the car idling on the drive for about an hour when i got home from work yesturday and no oil appeared to be leeking from under the rocker cover. i took it out for a spin for 15 minutes and still no oil. could it have just been things bedding in? also its a bit hesitant when i put my foot down n it will only drive smooth under full throttle. ive put all new plugs leeds cap and rotor arm on so could it be the timing needs re adjusting? its also an electric dizzy so i didnt have to change the points.

cheers, phil

[Paul Wiginton]

on 1.5 roller rockers you should set the tappets to 18 thou...

Were your rockers new or second hand?

KAD, Swiftune, MED, Oselli, Kent Cams,Piper Cams all say 16 thou

Paul