Monday 23 August 2004

Floated valve

I havent written on this blog for quite a while.  I have lots of updates, just none on the car.  I got married in 2001 and had my first kid, a boy, Griffin in 2003.  Not surprisingly the car was a lower priority for a few years.  

In August I decided to take it on a road trip to Edmonton.  My friends are members of the West Leduc Antique Society and I was going to go up to participate in the weekend events.  Since I hadn't taken the MG for a drive in some time I dusted her off, changed the oil and hit the highway.

The motor ran quite well, but at high rpm it was starving for fuel.  Passing cars on the highway was a bit of challenge.  I made it to Edmonton okay though and we decided to have a look at it.  First things first was to change out the fuel filter.  A test drive proved that was the culprit.

The next morning I drove to West Leduc from my buddies house in Edmonton.  On the highway it was quite noticeable, the car could really move.  Unfortunately I pushed it a little too hard.  Somewhere around 160 it choked.

I floated a valve.

I got towed back to the antique show and we took off the tappet cover.  Sure enough, one bent valve.  I thought about trying to get it back under the rocker but then thought differently.  I didnt want to risk a long trip home with a faulty engine.

So I found a car hauler and towed the MG back home (again).  And there it sits.  Waiting for a new head.