Hi all,
First post on the forum. I have a 1978 spitfire 1500 that I have owned for 28 years which has been the subject of a rolling restoration over many years.
The subject of this post is a 1971 Spitfire Mk IV which hasn’t run for 20 odd years.
I have spent several months rebuilding the fuel system - pump, carburettors etc which were full of old dried fuel and seized. Having fixed this - and with the engine turning freely - I was then looking to see what else was required before it could be started. However, further inspection of the engine has revealed bent push rods and the inlet valves for cylinders 2 and 3 locked in the open position. I am guessing that the stuck valves are bent.
Therefore, before I remove the cylinder head for further investigation, can anyone tell me if the pistons hit the valves? Is it worth removing the head with the engine in the car or is a larger engine rebuild needed so I might as well just take it out?
thanks,
Jeff