Following the Pendine trip it soon became clear that Edward's engine was in need of some care and attention - water appeared in the oil, and the engine was overheating.
I have stripped down the engine and discovered several broken piston rings as well as core plugs needing to be changed. i am taking the opportunity to replace the pistons with new - Toyota Corrolla - and get teh big ends re-metalled. Also fitting new core plugs, valve guides and valves, skimming the head. Checked the crank for wear in the mains - they are in good shape. Have cleaned out teh radiator with central heating system de-scaler - an astounding amount of calcium scale has been cleared, also graisn of sand and flakes of rust trapped have been freed up. Water now runs through teh raiator very freely and hopefully cooling will be improved.
The Sunbeam 20hp is unusual in having a full flow oil filter (very advanced for a 1926 design). I have located a modern hi-tech cartridge that will fit inside the orioginal casing - Mercedes A class - available off the shelf! Also fitted magnetic sump plugs.
Hope to have the car back on the road for VSCC new year driving tests at Brooklands.
