Cooked Engine

[thepuddlejumper]

Decided to take the 126 to the Italian car day at Hopetown House, Piston Heads gathering, all went very well on the 20miles or so there.  The car ran like a dream, however on the road home I heard what I thought to be some gravel sprayed up from a wheel then a bit later the same only louder. I kept going untill the aroma of cooked engine wafted through the sun roof, heater wasn't on.  Stopped looked in and the gasket to the carb was bubbling.  Called the AA AT 2:15 ARRIVED  HOME AT 9PM ONLY 20 MILES they thought I was in the Isle of Sheppey, as far as I am aware that is no where near Edinburgh or the Forth Road Bridge. It looks as if the 126 won't be going to retro rides this weekend.  Tried to start up last night and managed to get one cylinder to fire up after a couple of mins the second joined in but when I let it tick over it shut down. I will check it all out this week to see if all is ok or not.

[thepuddlejumper]

Checked out the Isle of Sheppey I now know why they thought I was there see link below scroll down to the signboard.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Sheppey

Ralph

[Rusty's Uncle]

Hi Ralph , that gravel sound could have been the component parts of the cooling fan hitting the inside of the tinware if the fan let go like mine did. All happened in a micro-second then almost instant massive overheating . My engine would not start at all when it cooled down but I stripped the top end down and all was OK but the heat stress had left the cylinder head nuts quite loose. If it runs then check to see if the fan is blowing air at plugs & thermostat housing. If no blow then replace the fan, torque down the head, set tappets and you coiuld be back in business 

[thepuddlejumper]

We managed to get round to the 126 today, Fraser replaced the plugs and points.  Checked the valve gap and all were very tight, reset and started up the engine.  Fired up a bit rough at first then settled down.  Seems to be running OK for now, I checked the compression 120 in one with the other at just over 100.  This is a bit out of ballance so will have to strip down soon to fix.  I have olso been down to a local vehicle headlight specialist and had a long chat with one of the guys found a couple of lights which might be good replacements for the 126 originals.  I bought two to check out with the new front I have.  I will post up some photos when I get a chance.  The lights come with mounting plates so should be an easy fit.

Ralph