Hello:
I have a 1960 series 2-88 rover that I have been working on for some time that I bought from a fellow here in S. Cal that had not used the vehicle for many years. A year or so back I got the rover running with the intent of checking out he mechanical systems before tearing the whole thing down when I had money to replace frame/bulk head. Before I started the tear down I was having issues with the carb. One fine afternoon I replaced my BV carb with a rebuilt one. I took the rover out for a spin and it ran really, really well for five blocks & the the starter gear locked onto the flywheel (very loud sound down by my feet) & rover coasted to a halt.
When the starter gear/spring failed I decided it was a sign that the tear down should start since I would need to inspect flywheel. My plan was to have a local series rover engine expert (Pat) rebuild the engine while the rebuild was going on. As it turns out he was busy with projects so I decided to re-install the engine since it was running well & I could pull it later (less then a six pack of beer job) if there was an issue or if engine rebuilder schedule cleared.
To make a long story shorter I got my rover friend reassembled & fired up the engine. After working through a few vacuum leaks I have a steady idle but I believe at this point I have a stuck/bent valve (caused by sitting/gum?). The ignition system is working well & I set timing by Green bible & verified with timing gun (mark is rock steady). Engine idles nice but is loud & lacks power. I am positive when I replaced carb I did not drop anything in intake manifold & complete engine sat in a corner of my garage while I rebuilt frame, etc. Compression in #4 cylinder is zero and it is a 8:1 head. See below info gather after engine was warmed up with a decent screw in type compression meter....new starter was used to crank:
# PSI PSI after oil squirted in cyclinder
1 115 125
2 135 140
3 140 150
4 0 0
It seems like I could get a rebuilt head and install it but I am not sure if based upon compression readings & age of other components it may make sense to either get a rebuilt engine or try to find someone to rebuild. It has new fuel & water pump but timing chain/tensioner/distributer were not replaced. I do not have the knowledge or time to learn to rebuild engine (house is for sale). So the way I see it my optons are:
1) I can replace head & see what happens (if does not solve issue then I may have wasted money & time).
2) Get a rebuilt engine (solves problem but costs $)
3) Try to find someone to do engine rebuild (any names in LA area would be appreciated) not sure of what the cost would be on this option..any thoughts? Engine may not be original and must ahve been rebuilt before...how many times=unknown.
My goal is to drive drive rover to next house vs a sad trip on a flatbed . I plan on keeping my rover friend very long term & use for running to Home Depot, fishing, camping,,,,
Sorry for long post but I appreciate your feed back!!
Eric