The Natural Philosopher wrote: ... snipped
That brought back some memories of engines that I've rebuilt: Norman Nippy, BSA C15, BSA Gold Flash, Ford Anglia, Ford V4, Triumph Spitfire, MGB GT, Triumph Stag, Saab 900. With the benefit of hindsight, only the Norman Nippy and the C15 *really* needed a re-con - the others would have soldiered on for as long as I had the car.