where to go for parts (so many places)

Post by **andrew.searston** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:34 am

im thinking of changing the cylinder head of my 948cc engine to unleaded. ive seen prices between 150-250 quid. which is the best place to go to?
i usually go to bull motif but they seem expensive
can anyone recomend a decent but cheap in price minor specialist?????????

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 12:55 pm

well u dont really need an unleaqded head, unless you are doing serious motor way driving all the time

just use an additive if u want to

i have used leaded heads all the time with no problems and i do around 300 miles a week, i dont even use an additive

and it is cheaper if u do get any problems to get another leaded head for a few pounds save your money for something you really need

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 4:12 pm

agreed - it can take up to 50,000 miles to break even on the price of an unleaded head compared to using an additive.

If you don't use an additive, you can keep going till the head really needs doing. Sometimes this can be quite a while!

Post by **whenisayjump** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 4:24 pm

How would you know when the head needs doing...?

...and what *actually* is the 'head' of an engine?

James

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 4:28 pm

How would you know when the head needs doing...?

A compression test would give a quick answer, but taking it apart for inspection would be the definitive answer. Symptoms would be poor performance and missfiring (caused by a knackered valve / valve seat)

...and what *actually* is the 'head' of an engine?

Cylnder head: The big heavy bit on top of the engine that the spark plugs screw in to.

Post by **whenisayjump** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 4:29 pm

Thank You

Post by **rsawatson** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 5:23 pm

I personally don't see the advantage of changing the head to unleaded, using LRP additive adds a cost equivalent to peanuts at every fill-up so there is no realisable advantage of fitting an unleaded head surely?... unless of course there is some other aspect I have overlooked!

The only time I might consider changing would be (for whatever reason) the valve seats wore out and the head needed replacing.

If I were you I'd spend the money on something else if you've got it to spare! At the end of the day though, it's your car

Post by **andrew.searston** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 7:43 pm

thanks for your opinions
when i brought the car the engine was a right state. their was green paint under the thick gunky rubbish once i pressure washed it.
so im geussing it will need new valves and a decoke. so by the time ive bought a spring compresser, valve cutting paste and all the other bits. i might as well change the head. its a quicker and easy option
what do you people think???????

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 8:18 pm

but the engines were painted green origianlly
still can not see your ogic really

does the engine run

Post by **StaffsMoggie** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:52 am

OK lets end this here. Morris Minors do not need "unleaded" cylinder heads. They do not run under such conditions to require such a fitting.

I have run a Minor for ten years as an everyday car with no head problems so I would suggest that unleaded fuel does not cause any problem in normal use.

Post by **Pyoor_Kate** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:45 am

I have to disagree. I would say 'depending on driving style' an unleaded head may, or may not be an issue. Using an additive may or may not be an useful.

People *have* had valve seat recession on non-unleaded heads running on unleaded. People *have* run for miles without any additive on a non unleaded head (using unleaded) without a problem. YMMV.

For those who can't do the work themselves I'd suggest that using an additive is a not-very-expensive solution which saves you the possibility of a big expense later - especially if you don't really want to end up without your car, suddenly and unexpectedly.

Post by **andrew.searston** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:04 pm

ive got mixed Opinions i agree with pyoor kate. i can change the head my self and it does need a decoke sometime so if i can find one a decent enough price i might go for it