WANTED: 1275 Head

Started stripping down my spare engine for a rebuild today to find the head's cracked between cylinders 2 and 3

Before I investigate if it's possible to repair it does anyone happen to have a spare head they'd like to sell me? Or know where I can source one for a reasonable price? I had a quick look on Mini Spares and needed a lie down in a dark room after seeing what they wanted for a new one

There's no need to buy a new one, there are loads of 12G940 heads floating around in peoples sheds. Even I gave 2 leaded heads away on my last clearout.

Hi Charlie

I think that i have got 1 or is it 2
I'll have a look tomorrow

Rob

James - Thanks for the casting number The one on the head is pretty much impossible to read. I've just done a Google and checked the diameter of the inlet valves and I need a 'big-valve' (1.401"/35.6mm) one as the engine's out of an MG Metro. Though I guess the smaller valve version will fit?

Rob - If you could please that would be great

The best head to get is from a Montego or Maestro 1300.

These are modified, IE big valves and ported and polished as standard. This to help because the car is heavier than a Mini/Metro.

To obtain a lead free head, the engine number needs to start with 12G HE or 12G HF.

These were fitted from 1988 onwards, there is usually a green sticker under the bonet to denote the use of lead free petrol.

Hi Charlie, I have just ventured out in the rain to my sheds.

I have a red painted head, 12G940.
The exhaust valves (not ports) are 1 3/8" dia (measured with 12" rule, still in head).
The head does not have the port for a by-pass hose, so i dont know how that ages it.

The engine when i got it hadnt run for 6 years and No1 pot had an inch of water in it and water pitted down the bore.
So i dont think you could use much of it other than the actual head, which i haven't cleaned either!!

I will be going to the pub do next month if you want to have a look at it.

Rob

Mr Bridger wrote:The best head to get is from a Montego or Maestro 1300.

These are modified, IE big valves and ported and polished as standard. This to help because the car is heavier than a Mini/Metro.

To obtain a lead free head, the engine number needs to start with 12G HE or 12G HF.

These were fitted from 1988 onwards, there is usually a green sticker under the bonet to denote the use of lead free petrol.

That's interesting to know as the Metro heads swapped over to unleaded in 1989 according to Haynes. The head I've taken off is a 12HD25 and one of the last leaded ones. I was planning on having a go at porting and polishing (especially as I now have a spare to practise on ) so a Montego/Maestro head would save a lot of work if I can find one.

Rob - Please bring the head to the Feb pub meet. I'll let you know if I track anything down in the mean time.