Alexbrz

Steve wrote:

Replacing valves and "lapping in" is a DIY job but make sure the head is straight, Kseries heads are notorious for there shape (mainly after overheating, so yours may be ok" if in doubt get it professionally checked and skimmed at a machine shop and maybe "lap" all the valves at the same time, better saving time rather than money in this instance.

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Thanks! I'll get the head over to a local mechanic with a straight edge to check for any deformation. Im quite interested in learning more about valve lapping and replacement so i might do it myself if the guides and ytube videos i see about it seem doable.

I've contacted the nearest machine shop and they quoted me the equivalent of the purchase of a replacement MG TF for a complete head rebuild and they dont want to do anything but a complete rebuild. I guess Finnish hourly wages are a bit too high for keeping older cars on the road. Ofcourse i can always take it with me abroad and have it done there, i'll keep this in mind as i regularly drive back and forth to Netherlands anyways. Dropping it off in Poland may be a good alternative.

Factual information on if and how a head rebuild can be done yourself would be more useful than a financial indicator

Not too long ago i decided to get a "summer car" - not a lot of choice in those in Finland. So i imported a "well-maintained" MG TF 160 (LHD)





You've guessed it, we're here about to unravel just how well maintained it was. It started with wheel bearings, rear links arms, some rubbers and steering bits at the front, replacement of way-too-old tires (winter at the front, summer at the back). Then she was finally ready for her import technical inspection - or so i thought.

Long story short - whilst idling on the driveway, the engine cut out. After inspection - Timing belt snapped. Could've been a lot worse if this would've happened somewhere on the road.

Decided not to sulk but take the productive route and opened her up. This topic will be used to write down whats done, and ask the experts for advice, im quite handy but have never performed a repair like this before.

So as it stands, it seems i have 4 bent exhaust valves, all others are ok. Seal tested overnight and no leaking on the other ports, no visible damage either.
Pistons seem ok as well.





Now to the shopping list with some future-proofing added:
-Cambelt set (VVC) with water pump (https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/54-how-tos/22634-k-series-cam-belt-change-how-tovideo)
-Auxilliary belt (while we're there anyway) (https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/22-cjjs-guides/30617-how-to-change-the-alternator-belt#30617)
-4x exhaust valve (

)
-Headgasket set MLS with uprated oil rail and headbolts
-Inlet, exhaust and cam cover gaskets
-Thermostat (https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/54-how-tos/91134-changing-the-thermostat-how-to#140405)

Am i forgetting about something?

Also, i've never replaced a valve before. Is this something i can do myself or am i better of dropping the head at a machine shop to do it for me?