The JCW
Purchased in 2022, the JCW was side-lined for over 12 months whilst other projects and life took a front seat.
It was in a pretty poor state when it first arrived. It couldn’t hold it’s oil or it’s coolant.
A new turbo oil feed line and a bunch of gaskets took care of the oil leaks and the water connecting pipe and thermostat were refitted to help it hold coolant.
It ran but was very tappety and had a very rough idle.
In September 2023 the timing chain was replaced and a bit more of this little pocket rocket’s story unfolded.
Timing Chain
During the timing chain replacement, plastic was discovered in the timing chain tensioner and also in the non-return valve for the VANOS Solenoid. The plastic had melted from the casing of the oil filter and then cooled when it hit the tensioner and the non-return valve.
Once they were cleaned up the oil then was able to get to the top of the engine and the VANOS sprocket ad the engine ran quietly like it should. The next discovery was another casualty of an overheated engine – a blown head gasket (worse than the Camden)
Head Gasket
On discovering the (very) blown head gasket – drips of coolant dropping into cylinder 2 and coolant in 3 and 4 also, I was contemplating cutting my losses and thought about trying to sell the JCW as is. After further thought, I figured much of the work had already been done and I should complete this project.