I purchased a 1974 TR6 awhile back. I drove it before I bought it and
compared to an MGA, it drove pretty strong. I did not hear any bad noises
from the engine and it idled reasonably smooth. The car needs a lot of work
(I knew that when I bought it) and I am starting on the frame. The normal
areas of weakness need to be rewelded etc. However I have an engine
question. Before I started taking the car apart the engine had reasonable
oil pressure both at idle and at speed, didn't run hot, had a bit of smoke
when first started up but I didn't notice any after while the car was
running. When I checked the compression #1 showed 85 lbs. and #2 through #6
showed between 158 lbs. and 165 lbs. Like I said, I though the engine ran
strong but obviously #1 cylinder is not doing it's job. I have been lead to
believe the compression on the rest of the cylinders is higher than that of
a stock engine. The engine is now on a stand I checked the rocker
clearances and the first valve #1 was so tight that I couldn't measure
between the rocker arm and the push rod. My hope ( I think) is that the
lack of compression at #1 is a head or valve problem and I won't have to go
into the bottom of the engine or should I since I'm this far in. Also, How
can I determine if the engine has been modified if any, different cam,
shaved head, things like that? I get the feeling that the compression
indicates something has been done to the engine in some way.
Mike
S.C.
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