johnsimister
Active Member
I will shortly be overhauling the cylinder head of my recently-acquired 1972 2000 TC. The compressions are low (150-160psi against the minimum of 190 stated in the manual), the fuel consumption is high and the hillclimbing ability is feeble. A set of NOS genuine Rover exhaust valves is on its way, which I saw on eBay and seemed too good to miss.
While the engine is apart I thought I would see to the metallic tinkling noise that occurs around 1200rpm and goes away as the revs increase. I have read about this sound before and it's clearly from the timing chain area, but is there a particular well-known cause for this particular sound? A faulty upper or lower tensioner, a problem with the rubber-faced plates on the opposite side, or one or both chains worn? The engine has done 66,000 miles and oil pressure seems very good according to the gauge, but it sometimes takes a couple of seconds longer than I'd like for the oil light to go out on start-up. I might replace the big-end shells so, with the head and the sump both removed, it would be a good time to attend to the tinkle.
Another quick question: what is the diameter of the tappet shims? I have a good range of Hillman Imp shims whose thicknesses match those of the Rover's thin shims, so if the diameter is right I could use those when reassembling the cylinder head.
Many thanks for any wisdom anyone can offer.
John
While the engine is apart I thought I would see to the metallic tinkling noise that occurs around 1200rpm and goes away as the revs increase. I have read about this sound before and it's clearly from the timing chain area, but is there a particular well-known cause for this particular sound? A faulty upper or lower tensioner, a problem with the rubber-faced plates on the opposite side, or one or both chains worn? The engine has done 66,000 miles and oil pressure seems very good according to the gauge, but it sometimes takes a couple of seconds longer than I'd like for the oil light to go out on start-up. I might replace the big-end shells so, with the head and the sump both removed, it would be a good time to attend to the tinkle.
Another quick question: what is the diameter of the tappet shims? I have a good range of Hillman Imp shims whose thicknesses match those of the Rover's thin shims, so if the diameter is right I could use those when reassembling the cylinder head.
Many thanks for any wisdom anyone can offer.
John