bragging sometimes backfires

[kenparker]

I have bragged on the engine in 'le coupe for ten years. Engine was built ten years and 20,000 miles ago. Never a seconds trouble. Run like a spotted ape and always start when I told it to.

On way home from The Great Texas Flat HillClimb Saturday afternoon she began running on very poorly - missing and very little power --- then sphoosh - a great cloud of smoke - then running on three cylinders and missing one of the three. We limped home, about 15 miles at 15 mph and barely making it up some of the hills.

Sunday I pulled the head and discovered the worst. Pulled the engine and removed the offending piston.

Years of running too much advance had done it damage. Predetennation.(sp) Moral of the story is keep a better watch on your timing and keep bragging to a minimum.

The repair will be a patch job, 'cause a new engine is already in the works. The new one is still several months away.