New Project just arrived!

[Chris59]

I know this kind of gaskets exist for diesel engines (I am a mechanic, after all !), but never heard before today that they exist for Stag engines : we all have to learn something

I have send a message to E J Wards via his website, will keep you informed of the result.

Thanks again for your help,

Chris.

[Mike Stevens]

I think the issue with the Stag heads was, being alloy, they ought to be skimmed every time they are removed, just to get them flat. After a few removals, there wasn't much left - I believe the problem was more to do with valve/piston clearances rather than CR, but I could easily be wrong. Thicker head gaskets are around, but again not totally recommended!

'New' heads are available - at a cost though. They are advertised in the SOC mag - I don't have the latest one to hand so I can't give you a figure, but I seem to remember it was in 4 figures. Of pounds.

The Stag engine seems to have this aura about being difficult to work on. I've not found it so. Ok, it's big when you're used to the 6, but with common sense (and the manual!) it's really not that bad. Mind you, I won't be totally sure until mine is running again!

Cheers,
Mike.

[Alec]

Hello Mike,

"I think the issue with the Stag heads was, being alloy, they ought to be skimmed every time they are removed"

Isn't that rather extreme? Are you saying they will always be bowed when they are removed? What occurs to me if that is true, what about the top of the head, surely if the combustion face distorts that easily then the camshaft bearings must go out of true also?

Alec

[Chris59]

It's easy to check if a head need to be skimmed or not, not a problem to weld it if necessary, and any measurement of combustion chambers volumes and/or valves to pistons clearances is not an issue to me.
My problem is time , I really prefer to give some money to a good Stag engine specialist, if only I am sure that the job is done properly, and allow me to drive my car with no more fear.
I have so many things to do on my customers cars, as on my own cars (I own about 45 English classic cars....) that I often choose to pay someone who, hopefully, will do the right job.....
Cheers,
Chris.

[Mike Stevens]

Isn't that rather extreme?

Absolutely agree Alec. I'm sure I've read it somewhere and that is what I had done the last time I replaced them. It may be that the manual states that the heads must be checked for 'true', but the easiest way is to get them skimmed. I think some careful checking with a long straight edge is called for!

It may be, of course, that this is why some heads are no longer usable. When was the last time you heard of the same for a saloon head?

Cast iron has it's uses!

Cheers,
Mike.

[Alan Chatterton]

Well, that took longer than expected!

Was meant to be in the bodyshop for 4 weeks, and 8 months later its finally being painted!!!

Popped in last night to see it, all in primer, rubbed down and ready for paint...... engine bay painted, looks great!!

Hoping to get some pictures of it painted over the weekend (if I get time between standing outside Sainsbury's all day Saturday for a charity collection and fitting the new kitchen on Sunday!!!)

But, I might have it back around Christmas as the trimmer is hopefully doing the vinyl roof, headlining and sunroof early next week.

.......... and I thought it would be finished and doing the RBRR 2010!!!

[Alan Chatterton]

Update for you all.

The body is finished and ready to come home! Painted, assembled and trimmed!!

Latest pictures are on the blog, take a peek!

[Cheesy]

Looks brilliant Alan! Just in time for Christmas

[stag estate man]

hi Alan
my stag was supposed to be in the body shop 8 weeks and a year later i got it back .I think car body workers are related to builders
i look forward to seeing your stag estate
cheers grahame

[Alan Chatterton]

Well, mine took a while as it was being done at "mates rates" by a good friend who is an Alvis & Bentley restorer........ I didn't mind the wait as it was being done so well for much less than it should.

Wish this snow would go away so I can go and get it!