[Healeys] SU Needles & OIL ( or lack of )

[Bob Spidell]

FWIW I don't notice any sort of clatter on first start-up in either my 
BN2 or BJ8.  The BN2 is a fresh rebuild, and the the BJ8 has in the 
neighborhood of 100K miles on it.  I don't think 'clatter' is normal, 
but offhand don't know what would cause it (it's usually associated with 
engines with hydraulic lifters that are bleeding down).

As for the too rich problem, I think you want to run on the rich side 
with higher compression.  With the flat top pistons, what kind of  
compression are you getting?  A richer mixture will help prevent 
detonation (to a point).

Bob

On 6/24/2015 5:12 AM, Michael wrote:
> Hi Keith,
> Can't help you much on #1
> But regarding bearing clatter on startup my engine does the same thing 
> as yours on the first start of the day.
> The engine has very few miles on it since I "freshened" it last winter.
> I Plastigaged (spell check sure doesn't like that one) and the Glacier 
> rod and main shells were all well within spec.
> The oil pressure with VR1 20/50 is 55p.s.i. hot at 3000 RPM and the 
> only time I hear the clatter is on the first start of the day.
> I have removed and rechecked the original filter assembly and 
> everything seems to be fine.
> BTW my MGBGT does exactly the same thing.
> I suspect that it is not a problem but would like to hear others 
> CONSTRUCTIVE input.
> Michael S
> BN1 #174
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: Oudesluys <mailto:coudesluijs at chello.nl>
> Sent: ‎24/‎06/‎2015 3:50 a.m.
> To: healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net>
> Subject: Re: [Healeys] SU Needles & OIL ( or lack of )
>
> Problem 1: How do you know the engine is running rich? Is it OK at 
> idling (blue on the ColorTune: correct, orange: rich), are the plugs 
> black after a long stretch?
>
> Problem 2: What is your oil pressure at say 2500rpm and at idle when 
> the engine is really hot after a long high speed run. Is the oil 
> pressure slightly dipping when you blip the engine when hot?
>
> If at start up after only one night you can actually hear the bearings 
> rumbling/rattling I would suspect worn bearings or, but unlikely, the 
> wrong oil (way to thin) if you are lucky.
> Other causes can be:
> faulty/absent non return valve in the oil filter
> small leak in the suction part of the oil pump circuit
>
> Never start a cold engine using the throttle to rev it up immediately 
> after firing. Let it idle until you read oil pressure. On my JH car it 
> can take over 20 seconds before I have oil pressure.
>
> Kees Oudesluijs
>
>
> Keith Taylor schreef op 24-6-2015 om 8:36:
>> G'Day
>>
>> Problem 1
>>
>>  I have a BN2 with Le Mans upgrades ,  1 3/4 carbys with OA6 needles 
>> & the car is running very rich,
>> I have ordered weaker OA8 needles hoping to sort out this problem . 
>> However this car has flat top pistons hence much higher compression .
>> Am I going down the right road .
>>
>> Problem 2
>>
>> This car left standing overnight ,on startup has a severe bearing 
>> rattle , my long time mechanic ( retired, read old ex BMC man)  is of 
>> the opinion
>> that the spin off filter non-return is failing The oil release valve 
>> seems to be in good condition. Startup now is to crank over without 
>> starting
>>  to get oil pressure up then fire up , Subsequent startups are not a 
>> problem
>>
>> Keith Taylor
>> Southern Highlands OZ
>>
>> BN1
>> BN2
>>

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