I'd say so and so was I. My father sold me my first car for the price of the tax. When the front wheel bearing got noisy just before MOT I sold it for £20 more than I'd paid and spent all the money in the pub. My kids have been looking after me for years now though so I can't knock them.
Hope you get it sorted @mgbman . I’m disappointed, tho not over surprised due to past comments, that your son especially isn’t helping. Also, at the moment, it’s not as if they could have lots of other plans!
My son and grandson are popping round tomorrow to discuss the van and its poorly engine. I am not expecting them to offer hands on help though. Meanwhile I have removed foam seal surround, several tins, rear tin and front tin and both under tins, all fuel lines from tank to carb, throttle cable disconnected from carb and metal tube removed, engine battery, both heat exchanger pod wires and concertina tubes, drained fuel tank, drained engine oil, engine and ignition wiring removed including starter motor wires. So unless I have missed something obvious, the engine looks ready for removal. Re the CODAN R9 fuel lines, they have done well, look like new and no cracking. Is it worth removing the starter motor at this stage?
As said earlier, this was me having a senior moment, I think you can leave the starter motor in place
I noted the 1600 twin port for sale on the forum, but decided if I keep the van I will be going for a new rebuilt engine with a warranty, may cost a bit more but worth the peace of mind.
For someone who said they were going to take it easy for a week........ Good going Sir, sounds like today was a good day. From what you have said and implied, you enjoy owning the van, and get pleasure from tinkering with it. If this is true, and a new engine will sort the issues ( they don’t have to be hugely expensive, as @zedders said on a different thread, TES are a good ‘budget’ company and are sometimes unfairly criticised) then try not to be dissuaded from spending your money to fix it. From the number of offers of help on this thread so far, I think you (and TLB) can do this
It was a pleasure to work on the engine today, even though it was a bit chilly out on the driveway. Funny thing was I bought the tin top so I could keep it in the garage, but I couldn't bear to part with the lovely mgb.