Work progressed on our 1956 Jensen 541 with Jonn and John refitting the cylinder head, along with cleaning and refitting associated components and hoses, ensuring all were properly secured.
The original head, having previously been skimmed, was refitted to the engine. However, upon refilling the fluids, a leak was observed at the rear of the engine. This required the removal of the head once again. Upon inspection, a hole was discovered along the gasket line, leading directly into the water jacket, resulting in coolant escaping immediately. While disappointing, it was also a relief to identify the fault before further progress. Unfortunately, the damage rendered the head unusable. Fortunately, a reconditioned head was available in stock and was subsequently fitted.
After installation of the reconditioned head and replenishment of engine fluids, a new issue emerged as coolant began escaping through the stud holes used to secure the valve covers. It was found that these holes differed in size compared to the original, necessitating drilling and re-tapping to ensure a proper seal.
In addition, the original brake servo was identified as faulty. This was replaced with a more modern and efficient unit, which involved fitting new brake pipes and bleeding the system to ensure proper functionality.
