1978/79 GTS

[Boyscout]

Hi Philip,

looking at the picture it looks like you may have to get the block resurfaced again. I suggest you fit a proper BK450 black gasket. It is the best option for a 1275 and is superior to the copper gasket. Also be careful no to over torque the head bolts. This causes the fire-ring to collapse and cause failure. I also do not prescribe to re-torqueing. On my previous mini I torqued the head to the minimum torque spec when i built the motor and never touched the head bolts again. No issues.
I am busy overhauling the engine in my current Mini, a 998 A+. This engine has never been opened since '89 and the internals are in ok condition. However the primary gear endfloat was way out of spec as well is the idler gear. It was quite a mission to get within spec again. Crank end-float was on the upper end with new std thrust washers installed. But you are right, most people just slap new stuff on and don't check these important clearances.

Are the timing sprockets still ok? They look very worn on the picture.