Ready for engine teardown?

[smaceng]

So my BE project which started in November, 2008 that is. Done, at least 90%, with the suspension and the brakes. Now is time for the engine, a 1275. The PO once removed had a tag on the engine which said 70 psi oil and 175/180 psi on the cylinders. PO only drove it around in his driveway, no plates! So I thought, take the pan off, check the bearings, replace the water pump and crank seal, and get it running. Well, so far, the 1275 has a MGA distributer, a 948-1100 valve cover, a 1275 clutch (surprise as it was connected to a smooth case). Now I look at the rockers, and they are a mess! I read up on the forum and Hap says the rockers are offset. The head is a 12G1316. Which order do they go in, right and left? Is this the only problem I have with the rockers? Should I just bite the bullet and pull the head? Any help or advice would be appreciated.
cheers, Scott

 

[smaceng]

Here is another picture.

 

[smaceng]

And the front rockers.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

MY post on the rocker arms was speaking about Harland Sharp roller rocker arms, looking at your picutre, lokks lik eyou may need some shim to get thing better aligined. There alot that can be learn form tearing a engine down, to tell you the story of it life, so take your time, and pay close attnetion. You can measure crank end float, look at rod side clearence, look at the bearing to see how they worn, what size they are, study the head gasket to see how it was sealing, alot can be learned forma teardown if you pay attention to it during the tear down.

 

[Sarastro]

Man, ain't that the truth! One of the best things I ever did for understanding these li'l puppies was tearing down a 1275. Especially, it really shows you the importance of good, clean oil. You'll never put off an oil change once you see what it has to go through.