secondjeremy

B&Q sell some folded sheet angle - might do for making an edge lip. The Despots deem to have a better range than the shops which I suppose is only to be expected.

Talking about complication - what about the Series accelerator linkages - countless buts of varying quality (some very nice with bronze bearings - some not) which could have been replaced by a cable with one adjustment point only - and all those nuts and bolts that can only be accessed with an open ended spanner - which must be the slowest tool to be used when making the things.

The proper timing marks are on the flywheel with a nice pointer provided for alignment. Its lovely when the engine is on the bench but virtually impossible to see when installed. The pointer points towards the clutch and is in the top front corner of the hole. You may be able to see it more easily if you remove the middle section of the floor. However - the method set out above is probably the best as modern fuel is much better (yes even UK unleaded) and a bit more advance will probably make it run better. Obviously pinking should be avoided (under normal running - not extreme overloading - ie 10 MPH in 4th etc). I suppose comparative runs with a stopwatch could provide some interesting results. (not standing starts - but 20 - 40 in top on the SAME bit of (private) road.) For a proper comparison everything should be the same - engine temp, load, tyre pressures etc). The vacuum control should be disconnected for idle speed settings only.

I refitted the old belt to my 80 inch the other day. Even with no radiator it wasn't easy but I put that down to the pulleys being freshly painted. Looks like a new one would be difficult and might well require more than the obvious dismantling - like removing a pulley.