Re: Jensen Healey- breather/cam leak/cooling system.

[Dick Dell]

Hello Slandi,   Welcome to the list. Hopefully you'll receive a lot of replies.    These cars are so reliable that we rarely get technical questions and thus we have to rely on many jokes, social commentary and food history just to keep the list occupied. So your questions are very welcome.   To the best of my limited knowledge I would reply;   1. The wisp of smoke you refer to is probably a bit of  oil smoke caused by blow-by past the rings. It is probably normal for engines with a bit of wear. It should not be normal if you have had a recent engine rebuild. There are some other possible causes that could also be discussed by others on the list.   2. Possible to fix cam cover leaks, yes. Messy to fix cam cover leaks, yes. New improved cam cover gaskets are available from one of the folks on the list, but I don't have his tel number handy. Most important not to over tighten the cam cover bolts, which will cause more, not fewer, leaks. A bit of sponge on a popsicle stick works well to absorb the oil from the spark plug wells. (Which I'm still using since I have not had the time to replace my cam cover gaskets.)   3. The coolant reservoir (as installed in the original system) is intended to capture coolant when it expands as the engine temperature increases and forces the coolant out. It then provides for that coolant to be sucked back into the radiator when the temperature cools down.  While technically it does not have an immediate impact on the cooling effectiveness, a leak in the system will cause coolant to escape and be replaced with air when the engine cools down instead of coolant. There are updates available to improve the cooling system and you might have one or more of these if your current set-up is 'strange'. Proper cooling has been discussed a lot and will probably continue to be so.   How long have you had your Jensen?   BTW, the Jensen-Healey is undoubtedly one of the best classic sports cars ever made, which is indisputable. (That should wake people up as well.)   Dick     ----- Original Message ----- From: Slandi To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, October 06, 2002 9:15 AM Subject: Jensen Healey- breather/cam leak/cooling system. Hi all,   I am new to this mailing list (and to JH's)  so i hope that someone can help me with my quesions...   1.  THere is a breather spout attatched to the mainengine block near the starter motor...a thin whisp of smoke is visible from this at idle....is this normal?...(considering the car has recently had some major mechanical repair in this region)   2.  Is it possible to fix oil leaks from the cam-housing seal ?(upper one leaks into the plug 'valley')...is a new seal needed or tightening of  the internal studs?   3. Do you need a coolant reservoir for the cooling to be 100% effective ? (current set up is strange!)   [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help! Cheers