OUCH!....my V8 90 doesn't want to work anymore :(

OK...don't laugh (not too loudly anyway)....my prestigeous but thirsty V8 90 has suddenly decided to die on me (I suppose she is 20 years old after all, but well maintained and in generally good nick, and a great workhorse, for a meccano kit).

Symptoms are that she runs fine when starting from cold, but starts to misfire on one (or maybe more?) cylinders when she warms up (sounds like my wife).

The issue is of course that a V8 can run reasonably well on less than 8 fully working cylinders and you don't necessarily realise it, until its too late.

Ignition is all fine (relatively new disti cap, leads, plugs and so on, and a huge fat spark from the coil).

Carbs seem ok and working to order, so I am aniticipating timing chain or (even worse) valve problems....ideas, experience and useful input gratefully appreciated!!

Thanks

Hmmm, having been a former V8 90 owner I understand your concern. When I bought my V8, the previous owner had just spent a fortune on the engine as it was running very lumpy. Turned out to be porous heads, so he fitted a complete recon top end to it. This was why he decided to sell it...

It could be just a leaky headgasket, but it sounds like a top end overhaul is required.

Tumultum,

Thanks for the input....I have to admit that I think you're correct and that I have to make some serious overhauls to the top end. I suppose she has done about 100k without any intervention in that area and, as I understand it, the hydraulic tappets means that the engine is very forgiving in that area, up to a point....I think that point has been reached.

Watch this space --->

Tumultum,

You were right....new camshafts and associated parts definitely required. Parts are ordered and work to be done this week. Apparently the camshaft is relatively soft metal and its only the hydralic tappets that saved me from having to it sooner!

I've not had any experience with V8s, but what you describe sounds exactly like a dodgy capacitor in the ignition breaking down when it gets warm.

Hi GRUNT,

Thanx....your input is extremely well received, but I did check that along with the rest of the ignition system and I am extremely miserable in saying that we were both wrong (I had even suspected that as well, eventually)....the entire ignition system holds out well, as does the fuel system (no sticking jets, blah-di-blah).

I am sure you will know that I mean what I say when I mention that I am seriously p****d off, and also seriously out of pocket, but I really believe that I need those new cams, and the overdraft (OUCH!).

As before though, I really do appreciate your inputs...very valuable at all times.

Cheers!