That’s a good thought. Even though I’ve replaced the head gasket now etc it seems to have fixed the leaky stem seals. I’ll put in my spare and see how that works 👍🏻

Yes Steve I did mate - sorry for not following that up but it was the valve cap. I ordered a NOS from JCs and it fitted perfect. Funny how only one was so worn it made the collets sit deeper in the cap. Could have been lack of oil in its previous life. Rich

Thank you for all your help. As an update - head back on, new fuel pump and all back together. Turned it over a few times to fill up the oil filter etc. Put the HT lead on and it started first turn which was great, nice and smooth, got it to working temp and about to turn off then a horrible...

Did you unblock yours Steve on the gasket? Rich

Thanks Turboman - I’m gonna leave for now and if it goes….it’ll be time to get a new unleaded head 😁. Just on the theme of cylinder heads and gaskets one of the waterways was blocked off on the gasket (photo). My new comp gasket is the same with the hole omitted You’ll have to zoom in on the...

👍🏻

Gonna reuse Steve. Was fine before so will lap the valves in and see how it goes. Robust cast iron 😁 Thanks mate Rich

Amazing what you find when you start digging. So hitting the collets with a hammer worked perfectly Steve, thank you. Before I begin the world of grinding and cleaning I have a small crack across the valves (see photo). They don’t go any further so I’m thinking to leave well alone. The truck...

Thanks Steve, I'll try the hammer trick and have a look. I'll let you know the findings. Rich

Hi knowledgable folk, So whipped the head off and after borrowing 2 x valve spring compressors (both bent) I've order a decent one. So....are 2.25 valve springs a pain to compress? Also I've noticed one of my exhaust valve spring is sitting higher than the rest (please see pic). Does anyone...

Thanks Steve 👍🏻

So....ive had leaking valve stem seals for a few years now (puff of smoke on start up then clears). She does use some oil but runs really well with 130 PSI in each pot. Starts well from cold and when it's been left for 10 - 50mins. However anything after 15 mins and it takes an age to catch...

Hi Tony, yes it did move the gearstick by about an inch when the mount was knackerd Rich

I had this and found it was the gearbox mounting rubbers. Even though they looked ok, once i took them out to replace one was snapped at the bolts and moved the gearbox about 2 inches left and right. Been perfect ever since Rich

Mine are 10 at the diff and 24 at the hub. Series 3 1980 onwards have these drive shafts Rich

Thank you all for the help and assistance- to the grease gun then

Thanks Turbo man. That’s what I thought, series 3 with fixed hubs would be the same. Interesting that it never use to happen before. gonna look at the front prop etc for missing weights etc. Rich

Thanks Anaconda - I was thinking that also. Just me being paranoid. I’ll save the FWH until I need them and only drive slowly in the mud or snow Rich

Morning all knowledgeable people. my series 3 runs great in 2WD. Even in 4WD up to about 40mph. So after a run yesterday I thought I’d put the FWH in and leave it in 2WD to lube the top bearing. At about 40-45 there was a vibration from the front axle which disappeared when I disconnected the...

Update - t’was the alternator. Charge warning light now back also. Will keep the old one and replace the rectifier etc (£16 on flea bay). need to remember to make sure I have a red charge light on before starting the engine . thanks all