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unidentified nipple...

Where does the metric come in? Neither 1960s Buicks nor 1980s MGs are metric as far as I know.
 
Hi Doc, got the dial indicator readings;

1st Cylinder

#1 valve - 0.37" lift
#2 valve - 0.282" lift

4th Cylinder

#7 valve - 0.135" lift
#8 valve - 0.245" lift

The valve lift stated in the Bently manual is 0.38", so my #7 valve is WAAAAAAY OFF the spec. (less than 50% of the normal lift).

The rest of the valves are pretty much within 0.03" of the spec.

Looks like I will need to replace my camshaft...what do you think Doc?

Does anyone sell a camshaft kit with all the gaskets, seals, etc...to get the job done?

2nhdoc6.jpg
 
Sounds like the cam/lifters are shot. You CAN do the deed with the engine in-situ but it's a pain.

Number 4 intake lobe must look like a rollerskate wheel. :jester:

You KNOW this is the 'slippery slope' don't you? The experience of doing it may offset some of the expense but it can start to add up kinda quick. Approach it with eyes open!
 
rollerskate wheel!!!! :lol: :eeek:

I 've made a parts list for the camshaft swap job...will order mostly from Victoria.

Thanks for yur advice Doc.
 
That may not be the best source for a cam and lifters, YB. Spotty heat treatment. Look to Crane Cams (rumored to be out of business, then bought, etc.)

Summit Racing still lists this.

They DO have proper lifters.

There are other sources, I'll dig around and maybe other folks have recommendations too.
 
OK Doc, I've checked and found JEGS carry Crane cams their part # 271-342-0010 grind is F-222/280-2-10. I've ordered it. $244.98 :thirsty: I need that!

Ordered the lifters from Victoria.

Doc, I am ordering the timing chain kit from victoria that has the chain, tensioner, seal and gasket. Will I need to order the adjustable cam sprocket for the crane cam or can I just re-use the old one? vitoria sells these fancy sprocket that can be adjusted WOW! but the price is NUTS! $249.95!!! costs more than the CAM!!!!!! :troll:

I also discovered that there is a pin hole in the header where the 3 pipes converge and hot gas is shooting straight at the oil pan...yikes!!!! Looks like caused by poor welding job on the header!!!

I will remove the header and try to braze it with copper-zinc. Looking for a brazinfg torch that can run on disposable butane or propane camping gas. Any idea who might have these?
 
eep. I'd suggest you start a search here on the BCF with regard to the lifters and the issues encountered. A LOT of the "white box" lifters are poorly made: Improper heat treatment, NO Q.C. to speak of. Again: look to Summit.

RE: the camshaft... get or make a degree wheel, dial the cam in with that and your shiny-new dial indicator. No need for the fancy gear. That particular variant of the 1800 MGB engine will run fine even if its a half tooth from exact. Save the shekels for your <span style="font-style: italic">NEXT</span> MGB (good cam choice, BTW :wink: ).

You only want to do this once. I'm trying to be diplomatic here.
 
DrEntropy said:
You only want to do this once. I'm trying to be diplomatic here.

Aw, c'mon Doc,he'll need to do it three times at least. :devilgrin: Once,to see how, twice,to check if it's okay,and thrice,to make it go. :devilgrin: :jester:

See, now that's diplomacy for you. :jester: :rolleyes: :wink:

You're doing okay so far,mgnewbie,just take your time.And do check with "Summit". :thumbsup:


Stuart. :cheers:
 
Two words - "shipswrightdisease" and "mightaswells". Be afraid, be VERY afraid!! :laugh:
 
Doc, I called Victoria and removed their lifters from my order. :thankyousign:

I just called Summit but they only carry the Crane cam not lifters for the engine, same thing with JEGS...hmmmm...

I will search the forum to see if anyone can point me to where and what I should order.

BTW, what's a degree wheel? Is it like a protractor to measure angles?
 
Hi John, Oh! I got it. Downloaded and printed the wheel. Thank you.
 
Stewart, Thanks. My research on lifters points me to APT lifters. They are supposed to be consistently good quality with hardness around 56RC. So, I am ordering the APT CF01 lifters directly from APT. They are only $5.48 each...amazing... They also have the more hardened chilled iron and nitrited lifters for only a few bucks more, but, I will stick to these, since I don't want my lifters to be harder than my cam...If something needs to go because of poor lubrication or excessive heat, I want it to be the lifters and not the cam lobe...
 
Finally, the camshaft is out...and sure nuf number 7 cam looks like a roller skate wheel as Doc had described it. Here's a picture.

1zb8l0n.jpg


The #7 lifter is also badly scarred and the wall is cracked and shows almost 1/8" of wear. I couldn't lift it out with my finger because the face had egdes that refused to come thru' the lower part of the lifter guide...so, I took the cam out and it fell thru' the crankcase.
Here is the picture of the ugly lifter...Hope the APT lifters will fare better...

1zb8l0n.jpg


The new camshaft is due to arrive tomorrow. Also the correct sleeve for the worn flange is coming tomorrow...so...hopefully, if all the parts fall into place without problems, I am looking forward to some fun driving Monday....I feel like I'm 10 again on christmas eve...yippeee
 
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