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Q & A: '79 B Cylinder Head

John,

I have a '79 MGB with 62,000 miles. As far as I know, the cylinder head
has never been removed or serviced. I am in the process of removing the
intake/exhaust manifold to fix a vacuum leak. (I found the leak using
info from your 2000 edition of the UML Technical Book. Thanks.)

What's the likelihood that the head could use preventive maintenance or
other service after 21 years and 62,000 miles? I'll only be 11 bolts
away from pulling it off. The last time I checked the hot compression
(10,000 miles ago) it was not low: 1155 dry, 190 wet (with a shot of
oil), 2150 dry, 195 wet, 3 145 dry, 185 wet, 4 145 dry, 185 wet. I
was a little puzzled at the readings because the spec is 130 psi. I got
similar readings with a different gauge.

Thanks for any help,

Tony Campbell
Tony Campbell

Tony! Try that compression test before you go further! Although it's not
possible to warm up the engine at this time, if the figures exceed 10% in
variation, then adjust the valves and try it again. The valve clearance isread more