I'm looking for someone, ideally in or near Maidstone, Kent, who is willing and able to rebuild a British Leyland O Series 1700cc engine from a 1980 Austin Princess I've owned and used for the last ten years.
I have been having head gasket issues (no overheating, thankfully) even after having the head pressure tested and skimmed and most recently it looks as though the gasket has gone again with exhaust bubbles in the coolant. It's also developed a thirst for oil, having gone through about a litre in about 400 miles (possibly less miles than that since it hadn't been using much until very recently). I do have replacement piston rings and gaskets, and the head has recently had new valves, stem seals, and gaskets as required. It's also had a new timing belt fitted recently when the head gasket was last replaced a few months ago.
The engine is on just under 80,000 miles according to the odometer, but due to a sketchy restoration in the 90s before I got the car, I suspect this isn't accurate. I have no proof of mileage either way since the car didn't come to me with much service history.
I can pull the engine and gearbox and deliver it, drained of fluids, that's not a problem. I can also travel further afield than Kent if need be, though local would obviously be preferred.
I have no preconceptions about cost or timescale on a job like this, other than usually people don't want to work on Princesses. I really hope somebody out there is willing and able to work on this one. This car is pretty special to me, it's why I've put up with its nonsense over the years, and I'd very much like to get it sorted so I can continue to enjoy using it.
If you can help, please do get in touch. I've got to start by asking for prices somewhere, so I decided to start here.
