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MG MGB Technical - New cylinder head

Hey guys,

Got a 1974 mgb roadster, with a 18v orginal engine reading 43k miles. Have no idea if it is 143k. Smog system has been removed. No oil leakage noted, but does use oil. Is a new cylinderhead (including leadfree and some extra power) wise to do, or should a better save for an entire engine rebuild?

Advice welcome

Eric
E. van den Berg

Before spending money on a new head you better find out why your engine uses too much oil. Can you see any blue smoke at startup, how about a compressiontest.

Concerning a new head, a lot of power can be gained. Read about it in the archives.

/Jesper
Jesper Akesson

Jesper,

Thanks, compression test showed low value for one cylinder, not much smoke noted at start up.

Eric
E. van den Berg

Eric,

A new head will not solve the problem if the piston rings are gone. Better try a wet compression test to see whats really the problem.
Also, why buy a new head if the old one can be saved. New valves and a good cleanup job might do the trick. Power can be gained but only after some real expenses.

Good luck
Carl


C. J. Gaasbeek

Eric-
It's difficult to believe that any 29 year old car would have only 43,000 miles on it. It may also be possible that the speedometer has been replaced. Going for more power on a tired engine will only make matters worse by overstressing the already worn components. Smoke at startup is usually the result of bad valve stem seals allowing oil to leak down and puddle on top of the intake valve. Just what are your compression readings? They should all be within 10% of each other.
Steve S.

Indeed 43k is hard to believe, so I also guess is will be 143k. I'm able to get just around 90 miles. Last year compression test showed low rading for 1 cylinder, don't know exact readings
E. van den Berg

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2003 and 20/07/2003

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