[xj-s] Fixing the steam engine

["Richard Chapman" <richardc@sanderson.co.nz>]

After about 3 weeks of driving around with a blown head gasket, I've finally
arranged time to fix it. In the dismantling process I've found heaps of
black sludge in the cam covers, this has developed over the last 2 years,
'cos I was in there at that time and it was clean as a whistle. Could this
be due to the coolant getting into the sump? I also saw some foam in the
crankcase breather, which is normal with a blown head gasket.

I haven't got the head off yet, it's stuck tighter than a very tight thing.
All the studs move easily in their holes, so I hope it's not "welded" there
as I've read somewhere.

If anyone has experience with head removal following a blown gasket, I'd be
keen on any advise, ideas on clever head pulling contraptions, etc. Should I
flush the lubrication system 'cos of the sludge?? or will that do more harm
than good.

Had I known I'd get this sludge problem, I would never have
continued to use the car once I knew the gasket had blown.

Richard XJS-HE '83 (steam powered, in bits)

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