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ALTA bits

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:43 pm
by RobThomas
First 'sample' has arrived for machining.

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 7:09 pm
by youngcamper
Looking good! :)

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 7:33 pm
by RobThomas
Yeah, not bad. I need to open out the inner bore to the right size and drill the mounting holes before making good the flange where it sits on the head. If it all fits OK then I can get the other 5 made.

Shouldn't be long.

Next job is that rocker cover.

Rob

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 12:27 pm
by RobThomas
Alta head is off for a leaking valve. Good news is that there is almost zero corrosion, the valves and associated gear look to be in mint condition and the bores are +40 with little sign of any wear at all. Phew!

I need some new head studs and nuts and some Shellac to seal the head stud covers to the block. Is there a modern replacement material?

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 1:03 pm
by Sleeper
Wellseal

John :wink:

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 3:26 pm
by RobThomas
Ahhhhh, the VW engine casing stuff. Thanks.

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 5:59 pm
by RobThomas
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Oops. Spoke too soon. Mostly it is in great nick but there is one area of corrosion where it looks like there has been some localised boiling next to the rear spark plug hole. Bu66er!

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 7:58 pm
by philthehill
Rob
Bad luck.
Unless you can be sure that welding is not going to distort the casting I would be tempted to clean up the corrosion and use some heat resistant aluminium putty to effect a repair.
I have not used this product but it seems to tick all the boxes.
http://www.prkntekindia.in/index.php/pr ... al-casting
Phil

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 8:36 pm
by RobThomas
The corrosion looks like it might go right through to the spark plug hole and into the chamber so it'll have to be a weld. I assume Birmidal is a high-silicon ali and will weld with 4043 rods but have got someone checking for me. If I'm careful I can weld just enough to get the strength back near the plug hole and then use something like Lumiweld if there are any last bits needing filler.
I did look at some Belzona repair putty but it is still only goes for about 220 degrees C, like that other stuff. Might get hotter than that near the plugs?

Wife is out tomorrow. Head going in the dishwasher!

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2017 8:35 am
by RobThomas
Just got a quote for a batch of Alta valves. Anyone need some?

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2017 4:30 pm
by TvdWerf
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Also this Alta is missing the water pipe....
So can I put my name on the list?

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2017 8:25 am
by RobThomas
Might be a bit too late to get another one added to the production line. I'll try when I next speak to the casting company.

Next order for them won't be for another 50 years!

Alternatively, I can make them from welded-up sections, or you could sell me the Alta you've got???? :D

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 2:18 pm
by RobThomas
Final invoice has come in for the Alta water castings. It works out at £58.20 including postage to the mainland UK. They are spoken for, so long as everyone who wanted one still wants them. There is now one more person wanting a casting if someone wants to drop out.

Cheers

Rob

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 8:12 pm
by RobThomas
Sets of Alta valves are in the process of being made between myself, Will and Ian. If anyone wants some valves, now is the time to shout! Probably won't be any more for the next 50 years. :D

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2018 9:55 pm
by youngcamper
RobThomas wrote:Sets of Alta valves are in the process of being made between myself, Will and Ian. If anyone wants some valves, now is the time to shout! Probably won't be any more for the next 50 years. :D
I'm hoping to get these produced at some point later in the year, so if anyone does want a set please let me know!

Re: ALTA bits

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2018 12:14 pm
by RobThomas
I've just had some deliveries. I bought a bulk supply of M8 studs for MM exhaust/inlet manifolds. These are 13-8PH stainless high tensile bolts. The tensile strength is almost the same as ARP racing bolts (circa 160,000 psi) and are corrosion resistant. I have about 5 sets for anyone fed up with rotten studs. Next job is to see if I can get complete sets of head studs for the MM and the Alta.
These are precision rolled threads unlike the normal cut threads sold.


What a nightmare it is to put up pictures!
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