A little advice from someone who has been there:
Don't just tear into non-critical components right off the bat, unless you
are committing to a major overhaul.
By that I mean, don't wind up removing the carbs and manifolds, radiator,
motor mounts, whatever, then not getting back to it for awhile, and then not
knowing where you put everything or how to get it back together.
I only say this because you mentioned it had been sitting a year and a half.
I would try to be very focussed, and determine exactly which item was
leaking, and only work on that.
Then it would be more likely that you could get it done quickly, and move on
to the next step in getting it running.
The imminent prospect of having it run is a great motivator. A disassembled
pile of parts in unknown condition can be a big de-motivator. I am also
thinking of the public relations aspect of the project -- you want it to
look like you are making progress, not just making a big mess.
Anyway, something to consider...
As for gasket sealant, there is red, blue, clear, black, and copper --
choosing the correct one for your application requires reading the fine
print on the labels.
Good luck!
on 5/3/02 1:28 PM, Chris Thompson at ct@cthompson.com wrote:
> I have a 1973 MGB that has sat in my garage since the day I bought it a year
> and a half ago. It's got some electrical gremlins that need tracked down,
> needs a brake overhaul, and leaks oil, badly, from somewhere, I suspect the
> front side cover.
>
> I need to do SOMETHING to it before the wife has it declared scrap and towed
> away. I figured I'd start with the oil leak.
>
> My current plan is to replace the following gaskets on the engine in one
> commando raid session: Oil Pan, Timing Chain Cover, Tappet/Side Covers, head
> gasket, valve cover gasket.
>
> Also, since I'm not certain I can replace the side cover gaskets with the
> intake and exhaust manifolds in place, I'd probably need to replace the
> manifold gasket as well when I replaced them. Or do you think I can get the
> side covers off easily enough without having to remove the exhaust and the
> Weber DGV that are on there?
>
> I'm a rookie mechanic, but I figure all of those gaskets, with the probably
> exception of the head gasket, should be fairly easy to replace with the car
> up on ramps and jackstands.
>
> So, if anyone has advice, kind words, suggestions, dear-lord-dont-do-that's
> I'd much appreciate it.
>
> Also, what's the deal with the red gasket sealant goop. It seems like
> another contentious subject, some people like it, others don't.
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
/// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive
|