Intro of new member

[Paul Johnson]

Just popping in to say hello to anyone who cares. Exiled in Dallas currently, driving a '72 TR6. Began with a Bugeye in 1961, and have never been without something of that sort since. Worked all through the 70s for BL in New Orleans at the port facility, and might in time post a few amusing stories about those days. Was a feature columnist for "EJag" for five or six years. Tried a 356 Porsche a few years back, and though it was a magnificent car, it somehow just wasn't soul satisfying. Somehow wound up becoming a master mechanic, and then spent quite a few years as technical trainer for Nissan before a nifty retirement package was offered, so maybe could help in at least theoretical questions from time to time. Raced some formula cars in SCCA for a few years, but found it too time consuming and not as satisfying as imagined.
Have the motorcycle disease as well, currently having fun on an '02 Bonneville set up sort of like a cafe racer.
Looking forward to this site, as it promises to be monitored closely enough to stay on topic.

 

[Steven]

Hey Paul..WELCOME! With your experience and expertise...by all means, jump right in!!!

 

[Ralphanator]

Welcome to The BCF you'll like it here a lot of great people with a lot of knowledge!

 

[Dale]

A big hearty to you Sir. I think your experience with BL would make an excellent topic. I have Michael Cook's book and I'm sure your tales would make as good a read. Again welcome and will look for your future posts.

 

[Basil]

Welcome to our humble forum, Paul! I was a subscriber to EJag for a long time and still have a good collection of them. One of my stories (how I came to love British Cars) was printed. That was a great mag! Hope you enjoy the forum and will be a regular!

Cheers,
Basil

[ 01-18-2004: Message edited by: Basil ]</p>

 

[Rick O.]

Welcome to the forums Paul! Are we glad to have a "master mechanic" here and look forward to expert advice.

How about some TR6 head removal advice? I removed the rocker gear and turned the engine over with the plugs installed and that didn't do much. I've read about the rope-in-the-cylinders trick but am hesitant to try that (bend or break something). Last resort is to remove the studs but there isn't enough thread for both the head nut and a jam nut.

Help please!!

Rick O.
'72 Tr6

 

[MrP]

Sounds like you had a great job! Welcome aboard. I'm fairly new myself, but so far I like it here (even if I did choke on the rally game!)

Paul

 

[Paul Johnson]

"How about some TR6 head removal advice? I removed the rocker gear and turned the engine over with the plugs installed and that didn't do much."

 

[Paul Johnson]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Paul Johnson:
"How about some TR6 head removal advice? I removed the rocker gear and turned the engine over with the plugs installed and that didn't do much."<hr></blockquote>

Rick - I haven't pulled a TR6 head in a very long time, but there's really nothing to it. Just be absolutely sure that everything is disconnected. Sounds like you're there already. The head will simply slip right off, by lifting up over the studs (when the car is new, that is). What you likely have are two problems; the head is stuck to the gasket, and as well to the studs. There is no real way out other than 'shock and awe'. The rope business I don't like because you're placing increasing tension on various parts of the head, but not others. I always had best luck using a very large rubber hammer and beating the devil out of the head near each stud until it finally admitted defeat. You might try a penetrant down the stud holes, but the hammer should eventually let it go. Good luck.

 

[Basil]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Paul Johnson:


There is no real way out other than 'shock and awe'. The rope business I don't like because you're placing increasing tension on various parts of the head, but not others.<hr></blockquote>

Actually, I've used the "rope trick" with great success on several heads, including a 63 Jag XKE which is notorious for stuck heads. If its done properly, its harmless and makes short work of a stuck head. Best to soak the studs in WS40 overnight first though.

We have a "tech tip" in our tech tips database that details how to properly carry out the rope trick.

Go Here and do a search for "All Makes and Models" and seach for category "Head".

Basil

 

[Rick O.]

Thank you Paul and Basil. The studs have been soaking in PB Blaster for a couple of days now. I'll try hammer persuasion this weekend. Then it's off to the tech archive for the rope trick. There is also a rope trick to removing an spin-on oil filter in close quarters. Haven't tried that one yet.

Rick O.
72 TR6

 

[Langelo DeMysterioso]

Welcome Paul! A BL man NICE! I'm kinda new here myself but I find this is the place for info. Any problem you have you can be sure that someone here has had it already and is ready to help. And it is a good place to help others out. You can usually get several answers to you posts in a few hours. Again, Welcome. This is the place!