WOOHOO and BOOHOO
I had a visitor today, on loan from a friend. This visitor, Ben, is bloody good with engines.
I now know why I could not get it to run appropriately.
The rocker shaft is worn out, it has deep grooves and steps. Some of the rockers have nearly worn through their brass bearing sleeve, very ovalled, and were free to twist. This is why there was a prominent tappet-ish sound that couldn't be adjusted out.
We had a look at the 2.25D rockers to see if the whole assembly or at least the rockers and shaft could be used on the 2.25P, but only the shaft is the same dimensions and usable. The P rockers were too far worn to use on the D shaft. I will try and get the rockers resleeved and acquire a new shaft.
The vacuum advance diaphragm is also shot, so will be replaced (probably the whole advance unit?)
While we were at it, we (well, Ben) pulled the sump off and checked out the crankshaft bearing surfaces, we're going to put new bearings in it as some were showing signs of wear. Since the pistons seemed fairly new, this work willl result in having a near enough rebuilt engine.
So not a lot of good news, but at least problems have been properly diagnosed so I know where to aim next. Rego is still a few weeks off it seems:( No photos yet either

