Not just the head

[kitesurf_phil]

It's FUBAR. I got it all cleaned up. Seems it has already been skimmed and was already badly warped when it was done. It runs out by 18 thou from front to rear.

[dirtydog]

have you got a place for another one? there is a guy near me who will probably have one

[kitesurf_phil]

have you got a place for another one? there is a guy near me who will probably have one

Another SJ? Unfortunately not. One lockup is for my Surf and the other is for the SJ/workshop. The one I used to be able to use occasionally for beer money is now let full time to a tiler. I think I will bide my time until I get some money behind me and go the Vauxhall/Isuzu 1.7TD route. I have invested too much time and pennies in this one to throw it away. It would be worth having another to break for spares but if I did it outside the local vultures would descend on it.

[dirtydog]

doh- i meant a place to get another head but if your going the vauxhall route ill steer clear

[da SLUG man]

i can probably get hold of a suzuki head fairly easily... if you get stuck.

but tim lives right near that UK suzuki place off ebay.
(i think?)

[kitesurf_phil]

Don't worry. It was me being a plonker. Not only did I misread your post Tim but it turns out that my measuring technique was all to cock.

Firstly, I was using a banana shaped straight edge agains the head when I was checking for warpage. Now I have a straight edge I can see that everyhting is in spec.

Secondly, I was misreading the feeler gauges because I keep forgetting that I need glasses to read, especially silvery letters etched on a silvery background.

I have got so far but now I discover that I need a valve spring compressor. Bugga!

[da SLUG man]

I have got so far but now I discover that I need a valve spring compressor. Bugga!

£32.99 from screwfix... trouble is, it's a never use again tool!!

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...75423&id=20011

[kitesurf_phil]

I stripped the original head and it was FUBAR. It had been skimmed to within a thou of the minimum limit. The valve stems/guides, cam journals and everything are worn to well below spec.

Someone from another forum kindly donated a genuine 40K mile Samauri engine that just needed a head skim and new head gasket. Unfortunately it was stored outside with the head off. It was covered in plastic and some rainwater still managed to get into the cylinders. I thought there was just a bit of orange surface rust until I tried to remove it. Cylinders 2 & 3 are badly pitted.

I am going to weigh up the cost of either getting the block re-bored and fitting over-size pistons/rings or see how much it will be to get new piston sleeves fitted.

BTW. I used a big G clamp and a modified 3/4" hole cutter to make a valve spring compressor. It worked a treat.

I have never tried to rebuild and engine before. It' s all good practice for when the head goes on the Surf!