The Dark Wob

Now that would be nice... there seem to have been a few kits around at the time. If I can get it running on the ground and it runs well, I will still swap it to use whilst I recon the car engine. Then I might let it go or keep it as a spare depending on its performance in service.

Supercharging was a popular option in the past, it makes for a lovely engine.

I remember reading in an old mag about a firm that supercharged all sorts, including a diesel series Land Rover. Anything to get a few more horses out of the 2.25 lump.

All was going so well, when at 70 M.P.H. there was a sudden misfire and it became apparent all was not well. I pushed on keeping a minimum load on the engine until I could get off the motorway and check under the bonnet. It was clear it was coming from the top end and I was a pot down. Thought I'd done something daft like leave the valve rocker adjuster locknut loose. I made it to my destination and whipped the rocker cover off.
BOLLARDS.

Snapped clean in half. Fortunately I have plenty of spares but what a freak fault. Funnily enough, when I cleaned the rocker gear in petrol I could swear a hairline crack in one of the rockers logged in my mind but I never thought any more of it.
That pushrod did some right hammering on the rocker cover.

I doubt they ran castings under X-rays in those days, so it could've been flawed from when it was made. Who knows?
A new rocker got me going again.

Jeez, that could have been a lot worse....

It bloody could, thankfully it was an Inlet valve rocker.

Ouch, that was a lucky escape over all.

I'd write a strongly worded letter to the manufacturer.

Holy Herbert
I am glad it wasn't curtains for the engine

Well the engine has been fine since, other faults needing rectification include a suspected broken coil spring, leaking rear hub oil seals, leaking gearbox top cover gasket (I think) and take the rear screen out again to fit the bright trim. It's no wonder these cars go through clutches; they are only 9" and shared with cars of much lower power output like the Standard Vanguard and Sunbeam Talbot 90. The engine is very free-revving and if you slip the clutch as you would when starting off from rest on a steep hill you can sometimes smell it cooking. I do not abuse the clutch like some drivers do so we'll see what I can get out of this one.