Hi David

The double valve spring caps are normally different from the single spring caps on the early B series engines , I think this changed later but not sure when, not much help really,
New valve spring caps are available from Moss for MGAs and MGBs these will fit the Magnette, make sure you get the suitable collets and use spring loaded stem seals, lowers the oil consumption and last longer.
Trevor

Well the head is off. As expected blown between 1 & 2 (6mm gap!)
No1 piston head is as clean as they come (some water getting in?) the others all show small deposits. The cylinder head has mild deposits & the BMC gasket seems top fit where it touches. How can one gasket fit so many engine sizes? I didn't think the bores were all the same?. Valves look ok, vey tempting to clean it up & keep on using Castrol's jollop!
Any one know if the valve spring cap is the same for double as for single valve springs?

It was all going so well!
I had checked the ignition, I removed the air cleaner & box & re tuned the carbs that brought the CO2 down from 9 - 10 to 3.5 - 4.5 all was well with the world.
Took her up my local "test" hill...40 in third past the BMW garage, foot hard down and cleared the top at 65+ (3.9 axle) and still pulling. That was yesterday, today went to collect the papers & I cold hear knocking/pinking with the engine under load. Tick-over was a bit lumpy as well. Oh dear!

Checked compressions and...yes,one & two were right down. 5,500rpm & a bit was too much for the head gasket!
Silver lining time. I was waiting for an opportunity to go lead free, so this is it!
My engine is 1622 block with 1500 head, 1.1/4 carbs etc.
Who to go to for the head? I'm in the midlands. Very tempting to look for new manifolds......