VAR Forum

Humphrey47 wrote: Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:57 am I hope that the only cracking is in the head and not the block. The block usually cracks the side on the 16/6 just above the core plugs. The drain tap often gets blocked and gives the impression that the draining is complete, when it is not the case. I unscrew the tap and poke the hole. I think it is better to use anti freeze as the aluminium pump and manifold are then protected from corrosion.

I think this may have been the cause as I know my father was pretty careful to drain it off before the winter but could easily have missed the drain tap. Is there any reason not to use anti freeze in these engines? This one was always filled with water which seems odd really.

Thanks for the tip


Mark

Thought I would post a quick update.

In the end I decided to do the tear down myself and see what’s what once I have everything apart and it can be cleaned up etc. Also I know really very little about this age of motor - most of my experience has been with 70-90’s cars albeit “anlogue’ type. As far as I know the engine has never had a major re-build - certainly not during the 40-odd years it’s been in the family. It all came apart really easily. There were no seized nuts or bolts and very few varieties of both being whit worth of course.

The only fixing we couldn’t remove wa the outer of the two water pump bolts - it’s hard to get a spanner onto the head o if anyone has a trick to do so it would be appreciated.

Once apart it’s clear it’s been down on power for at least 2-3 cylinders for some time. Overall though it looked in remarkably good shape. Many piston rings disintegrated once out of their cylinders and the oil was mostly sludge.

We plan to source new pistons and have the spare cylinder block and heads machined to fit - new bearings etc of course. I have so far avoided having to remove the crankcase from the car. Removal seems a bit complicated and it’s hard to see how one does this without taking out the gearbox with it. Also I’m hoping to avoid disturbing the timing at this stage unless necessary.

Anyway a few pics on progress and if anyone has any advice or dire warnings i’d Welcome the input.

Cheers

Mark

Sorry pics did not attach....

Again...

A few more progress pictures. Coming together nicely with great support from Steve newton and VAR spares.

Mark

Thought it's well overdue to post an update on our 16/6.

Well the engine all came back together very well and it started on the first push of the button. We had a minor issue with the wiring which started smoking around the scuttle close to the dynamo which prevented too much running but this is being repaired now so hopefully we can be out and about a bit more by next spring.

Next up is some minor fettling to the paintwork in a few places. Not easy as the existing paint is very good thick cellulose so it's hard to patch in. We're going to be ordering a new hood and a set of new tyres (the first set in about 25 years!) It's not concours but will be very presentable and hopefully reliable once all this is done.

Clip of the start up

https://youtu.be/va4jHEmpGDc