Spitfire Decipher this Spitfire engine and a push rod query

[billspit]

While in my stash looking for extra pushrods, I noticed a cam bearing lookin out at me! I turned the block over and checked the engine no. It has FK 7688 HE. Can somene ID this engine. I think its a big journal 1296, but didn't realize they had cam bearings. Its dark and hot in my storage building so I didn't spend a lot of time in there looking.

I bent one of the push rods diassembling my 1500 last year. Once I found the pushrods from the 1296 (above), I noticed they look different from those in the 1500. They look heavier, but feel lighter. Can I use these? They are actually a little shorter than the 1500 rods, so that may work out fine, since I need a shorter ones anyway.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Can't help on the pushrod question, but your engine is circa 1971 model year Spitfire MkIV; large journal, but still (as per the "HE" suffix) "high compression" engine.

 

[Simon TR4a]

The lighter pushrods may be tubular, i.e. hollow. that would make them larger in diameter, but both lighter and stronger, a win/win situation (for once.)
I assume you are skimming the head and that is why you need shorter pushrods?
simon.

 

[billspit]

The lighter pushrods may be tubular, i.e. hollow. that would make them larger in diameter, but both lighter and stronger, a win/win situation (for once.)
I assume you are skimming the head and that is why you need shorter pushrods?
simon.

Yes to the skimming.