www.cylinderheadshop.co.uk - has anyone used these people?

[wemorgan]

Hi Will. Just wondering how you got on. I presume the car is running again? How does the engine now feel over the whole rev range?

 

[Will]

Hi Will. Just wondering how you got on. I presume the car is running again? How does the engine now feel over the whole rev range?

Hi Will,

Still need to put it all back together

Have been really, really busy over the last few weeks - abroad with work, stuff at home, now the cold weather/xmas stuff - just haven't had any time at all

I have done quite a lot of other bits though beforehand - stripped and rebuilt the radial pump for the self levelling system with all new seals and gaskets etc, stripped and repainted the cam cover, given the engine bay a good cleanup, replaced the timing chain, bolted the manifold back on etc.

I wouldn't be using the car in this weather, and as it's a light project/classic for me I'm not in any rush, taking my time

Should get it all back together sometime early in the new year, will update once it's all finished

Will

 

[Will]

Just to bring an update and closure to this thread - she's all back together and running great

The throttle response is vastly improved with a great deal more torque in the lower end of the rev range, pulls much better below 4k RPM and power between 4-7k is very eager.

Starts easily hot or cold, and feels much smoother and more stable when idling.

Compression readings have gone from (cylinders 1 to 4) - 115, 70, 50, 120psi, and now read a very healthy 195, 195, 195, 195psi :bannana:

Pics below and in my gallery:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/members-gallery/97629-my-1990-190e-2-5-16-a.html

Really chuffed, I'm sure 80-90% of these cars on the roads today are overdue a head job, they do run fairly well even with poor compression but you're missing out on the most important part of what these cars are about - the fantastic Cosworth designed 16-valve head and the design that went into it

 

[kth286]

Looks a good job. One thing I would say is that I refurbished a VW 16Valve head including industrial cleaning and washing. It was fine until 4K miles later I tried to remove a spark plug. One was stuck in a big way. Removing it over a week with plus gas etc and a little turn each way still damaged the thread. Not too much but it did a small amount of damage to the thread. I am guessing that the lack of any lubricant at all on the threads and the head being completely degreased caused the spark plugs to 'stick' to the head.

I would say make sure you apply a small amount of copper grease to the plugs before you put them in. I know that modern thinking is that plug threads shouldn't be lubricated as that effects the torque value but I would never risk a non lubricated plug in a degreased thread.

Hope it all goes back well. The exhaust valve seats looked very poor.

I would say no lubricants on the plug threads at all.

It does not matter what lubricant it is, there will always be an electrical resistance.

The plug body needs an unfettered path to earth for a solid electrical circuit for the best possible spark at the plug gap.

Any lubricant will diminish this electrical circuit, and therefore the engine performance will be compromised.

 

[wemorgan]

Congratulations Will. To have equal compression on all 4 cylinders is very impressive.

I hope the car gives you many years of happy motoring.

 

[momomo]

I love reading your well written and interesting threads Will. Well done on the finish. Brilliant work.

 

[jaymanek]

Good work mate! If you are ever up my way, maybe you could give mine a run to ensure its as it should be!?

Cheers

 

[jonnyboy]

Great thread and recommendation Will

 

[mattc]

Good work mate! If you are ever up my way, maybe you could give mine a run to ensure its as it should be!?

Cheers

Like you will (pardon pun) have to ask him twice to take one of your cars out Jay!?

 

[Will]

Cheers guys

Jay - if I'm ever up your way, it would be a pleasure

Will