 |
| Left side. The end of the cam is protruding, showing the surface rust that appeared after it warmed up one day. Two sleeves are in the block, likewise with surface rust. They are being held firmly in place with the customary pieces of 1/2" copper pipe over the head studs, and washers. Off to the left is one of the figure 8 gaskets that are used under the cylinder sleeves to prevent coolant from entering the crankcase. Remember their thickness directly affects the height of the sleeve above the deck, which measurement should end up at 0.003" to 0.0055". The two bolts roughly in the centre hold the bracket for the coil - note that the holes travel right through the wall, to allow oil to lubricate the side of the block in order to assist with rust prevention. Immediately to the right of these two bolts is a flat area - this is where the serial number of the engine is located. On mine it is so lightly stamped that you have to peer at it from just the right angle to make it out. The horizontal bulge below the distributor pedestal and the fuel pump mounting location is the oil gallery - if you get one of those kits to supply the rocker shaft with excess oil it connects to the bolt at the right hand end. The bolt heads seen immediately above those hold the camshaft bearings in place. The front cam bearing mounts from the front of the block, hence no bolt head there. The hole at the bottom right is for the crankcase ventilation pipe - another rust prevention device - this one protects the clutch linkage and undercarriage. At the front left near the bottom is the dipstick hole. Farther to the right is another potential dipstick location, maybe used for another model car, or perhaps the TEA-20. (Addendum: Nope, not the TEA20. It's in the same place as this one.) |
| I have painted the block "Ferguson grey" for a couple of reasons: a) Nostalgia. I learned to drive on a Ferguson tractor, and there's a connection - the TEA-20 was built by the Standard Motor Company, who subsequently absorbed Triumph (just the cars, not the bicycles or motorcycles). 2) It will be much easier to spot oil leaks than it would be with the standard black paint. It was quite rewarding getting the block painted as it marked the turnaround point for the engine - from now on it's going together instead of being torn apart. Addendum: I have now discovered that this colour is really Ford grey, which is much lighter than Ferguson grey. Whoops. Special note: The TR engine is not a tractor engine! - although there are similarities. |
|