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pulling the head

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SCguy

SCguy

Jedi Warrior
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So yesterday in the mist of looking for top dead center, I noticed evidence that some insects had made a home in the intake and exhaust ports (remember my engine sat for many years after it's rebuild) so I guess I need to pull the head and make sure everything is clean. At this point unfortunately, I'm very much over my head /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Is there a good write up on how to pull the head off and then reinstall. My manual doesn't really walk you throught the procedure.
 
Hi,

Oooh, so what you've got there is one of those rare and special bug juice-powered Triumphs, huh? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MGA owners might have to worry about termites (wood floors in their cars), but I don't think little critters will cause any real harm in your Triumph. Do check for mice and bird's nests, though! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

If you still want to pull the head and peek inside, search the archives here for discussion regarding doing so on TR6. I don't have the particulars for TR6 , but know it's been discussed and mostly requires a lot of patience and penetrating oil! Also google the Internet, check sites like www.vtr.org, etc. There is a trick of stuffing cotton rope down inside a couple cylinders to "pop" the head off, but I'd be a little worried about doing damage doing that.

Of course you will need replacement gaskets, including the manifold, thermostat housing and head gaskets, plus gasket sealers, at the very least. If at all possible, it's a good idea to have these parts on hand before starting to take the car apart.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Well, you could pull the head and clean as best you can and then wonder about what got between the piston and cylinder wall and is sitting on the top ring.
Or, you could turn over the engine with the coil wire removed while blowing air in the intake ports to blow out what is in there. Not sure this would do any good.
Or do what I would do. Figure any little bits that fell in will not like being in there while it is running and to help them evacuate the premises I would go for a spirited run and have a good time. But that is just what I would do and may not be the right thing for you.
 
I would clean things the best I could and take her out to see if it works. If not... then I pull the head. Because if you pull the head, then you should get it checked out and milled for higher compressions, new valves, roller rockers, a hotter cam.... you see? It gets messy.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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