My '60 Tr-3A has an acute problem. Began running it at higher revs because
the plugs were fouling. Brought it home one day after a run and it boiled
over. There was oil in the water. Later, started up with the radiator cap
off and saw fumes bubbling out above 1400 RPM.
It looks to me like I shouldn't drive it anymore, but instead, remove the
head and see if the head gasket is toast (possible - since the car sat idle
from '67 until '95) or if the head is cracked or warped. Any other
suggestions at this point?
The car also has chronic problems (even when I was driving it in the
Sixties). Put simply, it's gutless compared to other TR-3s and to the
TR-4A I bought last summer. Gas mileage is between 10 and 20, even after a
carb rebuild. (tuned as best I could). Engine temperature is usually quite
low (just above quarter mark) on a day in the 40s Farenheit, with one of
those Jaguar special skirted thermostats installed. It overheats at stop
lights or on hot days, but I corrected this symptom with an electric fan.
Compression test results are as follows:
Cylinders in order 1- 4, values in PSI
Cold
138 139 133 140
Hot
148 150 145 150
Cold with oil poured in cylinders
158 156 144 154
The plugs foul after a hundred miles or so, all four with carbon deposits -
1 and 4 with significant oily sludge, the others with only a little.
I've thought about having it rebuild and it seems like this might be an
appropriate time, while the head must come off and the good winter parts
prices are still in effect. What do others think?
Thanks.
John Cowan
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