It is just a pity when a car's original numbered block cannot be used. I spent an obscene amount repairing the Semi-sports block when it got vandalized at the restoration workshop. Some guy with a grudge against the owner broke in one night and smashed every engine in there with a sledge hammer. Luckily, it was the nearside of my block that was destroyed and could be repaired with new metal. If it had been the offside, the oil gallery would have been destroyed and the block would have been scrap.
The problem with VG´s block is that on both sides the block has frost damage and there are hairline cracks everywhere. On the outside where i can see them but also inside the block ......and on both sides......
There is no way we can separate the oil and water inside the engine, believe me we tried.
The way forward is using a decent block and keeping VG´s original block under the workbench to stay with the car. Maybe in the future some wonder stuff is available for this kind of damage.......
I wasn't suggesting that your block might be saved - just unfortunate that it can't. But then, as long as a sound one can be found, there will be plenty of very enjoyable vintage motoring ahead - whatever the number on the block! As I keep saying, you won't notice at 50 mph!
It's been sometime since the last update........Engine work has been slowed with all sort of cracks in my block but there is news
I found a specialised welder not far from here in Delft who is now doing my block, spoke to him over the phone and he told me all is going well but it's a lot of work...............
So fingers crossed and hope for the best just don't ask me how much it's going to cost
The conrods have been remetaled and the crankshaft has been ground both are now fine.
The cylinder head is nearly ready, the vertical drive has been adjusted and fitted with a conversion to keep the oil on the inside, the valves have been made to the correct lenght so the timing is just right. I also made steel spacers between the fingers.
Head looking very nice, Halbe. Is that a 12/12 cam? I also like the steel spacers. I haven't done a head like that yet, but it seems a good idea. I also like the extended rocker shaft and rear support - identical to the mod. I did to the Semi-sports.
By the way, I just heard from Bill Piggott that he is selling on his 1929 fabric saloon. The engine is now sorted but he has acquired an M Type, so the fabric saloon must go. Anyone want a really sound running example?
Yes, it's the 12/12 cam. The spacers are used on most MMM engines and compared to the original set up reduce friction in that department.
It's rather tricky to get exactly right though.
Good news! The block has been welded ,pressure tested and found to be ok
It has also been machined for the new pistons and skimmed very lightly.
The guy who did all the welding took his time, but in the end the result is that all seems to be well and at a very friendly price.
I would like to thank all who helped me to get this right and all of you in England for your help and patience.
VG still has her original engine
I also did the exhaust manifold.
Last thing to do before assembling the engine is the white metaling in the bellhousing which after further measuring is just a bit too far worn....better to do it now than later
Kind regards,
Halbe
That's great news, Halbe. The OHC blocks seem to be particularly susceptible to frost damage just under the water jacket side plates. I have seen several split along here. But great news that you have been able to salvage the original block to your car. So, firing up before Christmas perhaps? Then on to the fabric work? I hope you can get plenty of heat into your workshop for the fabricking if you plan to do it this winter.
Firing the engine before Christmas ...... I don't know , but the garage will be warm enough for the fabricking this winter
Been busy with the pipework for the filter conversion, extended the banjo to fix the pressure pipe.
Just the connection between the sump and the conversion to do.
