clicking/ticking noise.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Finally appear to have solved the problem: I adjusted the tappets to the correct clearance but still I had this awful noise. I know everything else, i.e. plugs, points etc were correct so I surmised it was the timing as I was also getting a very rough idle. I retarded the timing quite a lot and the results have been excellent! I did all this by ear and now the noise has gone; the engine is running much more smoothly and quietly. All solved in under 10 minutes of tinkering!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

But more importantly - 60 to 65 mph in an 803? That's really pushing things.

Yes it is and I found out to my cost. The rad cap pressure valve opened at an indicated 70 MPH and 'oiled up' the windscreen with antifreeze mixture. Big clouds of steam behind me. It even blew the little pipe off which is supposed to take the water below the chassis.
Pulled over, mopped up the mess, filled the rad and carried on. Lesson well learnt.

[bmcecosse]

Worrying about a difference of 12 thou to 11 thou is just not sensible on a worn engine.......there will be much more than 1 thou play in the shaft/bearings/pad of the rockers...... I urge you to set the exhausts to 15 thou anyway!