My first series 2a project

Thanks John - ill re-use then. When I pulled them out they where covered in gunk (oil and grit), not sure if this is because the grit made its way down through the head bolts or how? Ill clean them all up of course. Secondly, how the hell does one clean out the threaded holes in the block? Is it a matter of spraying brake cleaner in and absorbing the crap that gets pump out? Seems like it would be a messy job and I am concerned about it being flung into the water galleries etc. Any tips/advice greatly needed and appreciated!

I also have both books which has helped me in terms of how things fit together. It really isnt that complicated, its more the prep work and things that only experience can tell you that I have questions on.

Thanks,

I suspect that most of the gunk down the head bolt holes got there last time the head was off. The occasions I have had heads off, this has not seemed to be an issue - maybe I am a bit more tolerant of it, or maybe yours is bad. A suggestion for getting them clean would be to tape over all the holes you do not want dirt in (water galleries, tappet holes, cylinders etc), and then use, as you suggest, brake cleaner or perhaps some other solvent and then compressed air with a tube (narrower than the bolt hole) that reaches to the bottom. Have rags around to catch what blows out.

Thanks - the engine was very dirty (ill put up a vid on the original condition before I cleaned the top) so perhaps it was a "she'll be right mate" kind of job. I suspected cleaning it would be this way, so ill go ahead with this method (wearing safety glasses and mask).

The joys of owning something old... its like my classic caravans, had to undo a lot of bad workmanship to get back to baseline before rebuilding.

You have to remember that in all probability the vehicle was an essential part of a farmer's working equipment, and when repairs were needed they were probably done in less than favourable conditions (perhaps in the middle of a paddock), by someone who had never had formal training, and with a tight time deadline.

Forty years ago, there was no internet, no mobile phone, a lot fewer bitumen roads, phone calls were expensive outside the local area, and most people outside the cities were a lot more self reliant. They had to be, even if they had to 'make do'.

I re-read my post and I have come across somewhat ignorant. You are spot on and I think this somewhat reflects the way owners got by. Also, I think nowdays ( I know I do) look at these old buses with rose coloured glasses, no longer a beat up work vehicle but a classic that needs TLC.

So last weekend the young lad and i got stuck into cleaning and ripping the seats out. All in all was fun for both of us and i cant believe how easy the Series are to work with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeSBgSGRP4g

So I am now shifting focus and working on getting the head back on to have more flexibility in moving the 2a around. I will do a tidy up of the head, so have already pulled the rocker and valve springs/stems. LOTS of carbon stuck, especially on the exhaust ports. I can see (even with my novice experience) that the valves where not even seated due to the carbon deposits. The inlets where actually pretty good, still with a smooth clean face where the valve meets.

So my plan here is to clean the head as best as I can and make sure the deck is good. I will replace the valve stem seals (I got 2 gasket kits so may as well use one set) and do the valve seat lapping work. This is onyl a temporary measure as my intention is to strip the motor based on what needs changing. For example, I am pretty sure some of the valves may be worn beyond spec and need replacing, however again this is only a temp build (better than putting the head back on as is!)

More vids to come on my progress and please school me on things if I am going about it wrong etc as I am learning every day about these machines :)

Just a question, does any one on here have parts they are willing to sell? For example, I am after a complete handbrake mechanism, from the handle right through to the rod link coming off the drum. I have nothing from that point onwards.

Cheers,

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Originally Posted by Cap

Just a question, does any one on here have parts they are willing to sell? For example, I am after a complete handbrake mechanism, from the handle right through to the rod link coming off the drum. I have nothing from that point onwards.

Cheers,

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PM the Ho Hars - they wreck series Land rovers and are bound to have all that - freight from their places isn't bad using e-go. :)

Cleaned up the head tonight and came across an issue... you will see two marks and next to them hairline cracks. Looks like something got into the chambers at some time? Do i need a replacement head? I also havnt inspected the pistons, wonder if they are also damaged. I will still use and see if i can get another one in future. Been told that maybe its been drilled and rewelded to stop the crack from progressing.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...017/05/879.jpg