Saturday, August 27, 2011

Looks Great - Wish I Could Drive It

Well, the good news is the car is finished cosmetically.  I put the snaps on the tonneau cover today and decided to take some more pictures in the front yard, check them out:









The issue that remains is a knocking noise from the engine.  I had hoped this was a lifter that would "heal itself" as the old oil worked it's way out of the engine from it's 32 years of sitting.  But it's actually gotten a little worse.  I posted a video of the engine running on the British Car Forum and asked for advice and got some good ideas.  I also used a stethoscope to help diagnose the source.  Bottom line is I am now convinced it's the timing chain tensioner.  And it appears it will require removal of the front clip (sheet metal between front fenders) and radiator to get to it.

I plan to do this job after the local British Car Show September 17th.  I also plan to trailer the car to the show and drive it minimally until the timing chain tensioner is replaced.

Then I'll be able to fully enjoy the car.