There is one other alternative explanation, and I can't believe that I didn't spot this - the adjusting screw is shorter than all the others!!

Earlier I removed a follower from my spare block, just in case. I don't think I have any spare push rods sadly! But I'll have to wait until this evening to look at what's going on, I'm just hoping it's not the cam shaft, as everything else should. hopefully. be easier to fix!

I'm going to take the head off tomorrow, I'll check those things. Thanks :-)

This is a weird one! Setting the valve clearances on my S3 diesel, all ok except one - valve no.2. To set the clearance the nut is right on the edge of the thread, almost as if the pushrod isn't long enough! Any ideas?

Perfect! Yes, I've ordered the Dowty seal from Turners. The O-ring I assume goes between the housing and the block in the indentation?

Great, thanks, I've just ordered one.

Brilliant, reply, thanks. I can't find a gasket for a 10J engine, only the 200tdi. I'm not sure if that would fit, it looks to have extra bolt holes along the bottom. There wasn't one on there when I removed the housing, but I guess it could've been removed and not replaced. I was going to put...

I'm looking to replace the rear crankshaft seal on a 5 bearing engine. I've just ordered a decent seal from Turner engineering. Is it best to remove the back plate (flywheel housing) and fit the seal whilst it's on the bench, or to do it in situ? I did this about 10 years ago to a 200tdi, I...

I would only gap the points with the distributor fitted to the engine, as there could be a bit of play in the distributor shaft which gets taken up when it's all fitted. Agreed it's much easier on the bench though! You should be able to disconnect the vacuum pipe at the carb end and suck it...

Have you checked the timing and points gap? A closed points gap can feel like fuel starvation and will also cause backfiring.

I've bought a short 5 bearing engine, and am trying to make a good engine out of the 2! But I've a couple of queries: Firstly, with the existing engine I could turn the crank without the cam (i.e. the pistons would not hit the valves). With the new I can't. Which is correct? Secondly I've...

I'd agree with those saying it's an ignition problem, often it feels like a fuel problem. Check the points gap and timing, or go electronic as already mentioned. But also sort out the weak running!

Thanks for letting me know. I've picked up a 5 bearing short engine, and am in the process of making a good one out of the 2. However in the event that I make a bad one out of the 2 I may be interested!

To fit into a series 3. Not too far from Somerset or Bristol, ideally. I have an engine crane and a van so can collect.

I've just removed the flywheel, and noticed that there is quite a bit of play in the crankshaft! Can't believe I didn't notice it before! Maybe that explains why it was difficult to time up, if the crank moves forward it's going to make the timing chain tighter, and looser as it moves back...

Holding the pedal down overnight worked for me on an MG B, was really surprised! I read that you could also give the pipes a good tap at the same time, the theory being that it'll cause any air to float to the top. I did that, but whether it made any difference or not..... I also couldn't get...

I've finally just about got it! My worry is that it's a petrol camshaft and because of the difference in profile from the diesel EP is at a different point. Thanks for all the help. I still need to change the clutch and rear crankshaft seal and then re-fit it. So it'll be a while before I...

I've got the cam timing correct (I believe), but the pump won't time up! I've checked and rechecked the cam timing and as far as I can see it's correct! Firstly I marked when the exhaust valve stopped moving and then another mark when it started moving again. I then put a mark in the middle...

Possibly! Do you mean remove one of the injectors and check for TDC that way? It's got TDC marked on the flywheel, so if I can find when the piston is at TDC I can then make a mark on the housing opposite the TDC mark. There is a mark on the block next to the crank sprocket, I'm hoping that...

I've just started doing the timing, and hit the first problem! I can find the EP mark on the flywheel but there's no pointer to line it up against! Somebody has painted a line on the flywheel housing, but I've no idea how accurate that is! Just checked the parts catalogue and it looks like the...