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MG MGA - Pre-Grapes *UPDATE*

Thank you to all who provided input for the 'field' head replacement on my friends' MGA.

First the good. I was well prepared. Stud removers, taps, files, all the good stuff was put to use. I had everything I needed. Awesome. The weather was super clear and about 55 degrees. Also awesome. I got to meet up with some old friends and have some good conversation, catch up and just have a good time. No beer, though, as I had to drive back.

Now the bad. While he had all the hardware we needed to replace the head, the important bits such as the head bolt washers and such were the basic hardware store kind. Used, crushed, and destoyed. A couple of the rocker studs were bent as well around the also destroyed aluminum rocker towers. This made disassembly a bit of a chore. But we got it.

So where are we? I have sent him on a quest for new parts as he want to get his car running now-I can undestand that. The only place that carries that stuff here has a 4 times markup. I offered to order from the States but with shipping on these it might be a wash anyway. We are prepped and ready to install otherwise and everything else looked OK.

I have to take a moment and mention that this engine was just 'rebuilt' at a cost of thousands. He got totally screwed. There really is no action you can take here so you just have to suck it up. Sucks is right.

Anyway, let me tell you about his head. Besides the poor hardware and overtightening, the valves themselves were were so deep in the head that it's amazing the thing ever ran at all. I'll take a picture next time we meet up, but it was quite severe, maybe something for the books.

Back to good news. What he got was my old head, rebuilt about 8,000 miles ago, all 8 seats replaced, new valves, hardware, skimmed, cleaned and ready to go. I even threw in a Payen gasket just to be sure. I'll bet his car will run very well from this point on.

Tom Baker

Tom, well done! It is probably time to advise your friend to take a close look at the rest of the "rebuild" for future reliability, or at least some confidence while driving. A little time and money now can save a lot later!
Russ
Russ Carnes

This thread was discussed between 24/11/2008 and 25/11/2008

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.