Hi Bill,
The thing that is often overlooked and is a "complete day ruiner" is the
alloy plug in the middle of the top of the head which separates the top of the
head from the water jackets. I read about these in Bob Schaller's "More BS
About Triumphs". I decided to check mine out and found that I could just push
it out with a screwdriver because it had corroded down to about 1/16th of an
inch thick instead of the 1/4 inch thick that it started out as. Only the
corrosion was holding it in. I cleaned out the threads, but the new repro plug
wouldn't seal not matter what. I took BS's advice and ran a pipe tape (1/2"
ISTR) and put in a bronze plumbing pipe plug in instead. Works great.
I would also recommend buying the head nuts from Ken Gillanders at
British Frame & Engine. They are 50% thicker that the originals and work
better.
The first time I pulled my head I found 3 or 4 bolts that were stretched.
Putting in new studs wouldn't hurt anything. I had already bought a box of
EBAY head studs (30 studs for $14). Half of these were stretched. Half of EBAY
anything is stretched for that matter...
You might also want to put in a new freeze plug on the back of the head
while you are at it.
Good luck and let us know how you did.
Bill Brewer
Tehachapi, CA
1960 TR3A
***************************************************
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 21:44:19 EDT
From: MotoPsyche@aol.com
Subject: Preparing to Remove TR3A Head
In chasing down my "blowing smoke" situation, evidence suggests a blown head
gasket. Accordingly, I'm preparing to remove the head for the first time.
I could use any and all tips and BTDT insights. As it happens, the engine
was rebuilt by the PO approximately 12K ago. I plan to pull the head with
the
engine in the car. A few questions arise:
1. What's the best bet to use for a replacement head gasket?
2. Given the mileage since the rebuild, are there other items to address,
inspect or replace while I'm in there?
3. Will the head studs will need replacement, or can they be inspected
for wear or stretch?
4. Other than a head gasket and possibly replacement studs, should any
other parts be ordered as a matter of course?
Thanks for all advice. I'm going in!
Bill Stagg
1960 TR3A
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