Decarbonizing and engine overhaul

From the point of view of the average owner who wishes to carry out routine servicing and adjustments and, perhaps, a top-overhaul when necessary—including decarbonization and grinding-in the valves—the engine could hardly be more accessible. The amateur can, therefore, tackle this work with confidence if the sequence described in this chapter is followed.


Anyone who proposes to attempt more extensive work on an engine that has seen considerable service, however, such as fitting new piston rings or special oil-control rings, or renewing the bearings, will find that the design of the combined engine and transmission unit does not encourage amateur overhauls. The work is a very different proposition from that involved in the case of a more orthodox car, where preliminary dismantling is usually confined to removal of the cylinder head and sump.

These limitations are discussed in more detail at the end of this chapter. To begin with, therefore, we can consider the owner—probably representative of the majority of readers—who wishes simply to carry out a normal top-overhaul.