Hi Peter, always fun finding the next issue to get distracted by!
I have posted this up separately to see if anyone has any pearls of wisdom.
Steve
Re: Possible Blown Head Gasket
November 20, 2018 at 8:48 AM
Hi Peter
It appears that all the 1500 Engines fitted to Midgets should have double valve springs fitted. Your Engine is from a Dolomite 1500 and only has single springs as standard. I'm not sure if it is as simple as fitting the secondary springs onto your application or whether there is any other differences such as the upper and lower spring seats or even the length of the valves themselves?
You could try fitting the secondary springs but unless you are planning on using the car on track or using prolonged high revs I would stick to what you have. The other issue might be that the spring rate for the single springs is tougher than the outer spring on the dual spring application, so if you decide to fit the twin springs you should get all new springs.
Keep us informed on how you get on..
PeteC
Madpierre
Re: Possible Blown Head Gasket
The sage continues with my car as I thought while I'm overhauling the top end of the engine I would take a look at the starter motor as this in the passed has been rather noise on starting. I have found on its removal that the Bendix cog is considerably worn where it meshes with the flywheel is this normal, as I know that some models have flywheel shims to adjust the amount of travel of the Bendix takes towards.
Best Regards for the New Year. Peter