Our Tech Session started out as customary with the Healeys meeting at the United Artists Theater in La Canada. A great turnout of 15 Healeys on a bright, sunshiny morning marked the start of our day. Phil Caliva showed up with his new Black over White BJ8. Sadly Phil was off to another commitment and could not attend the Tech Session so we will have to wait for a detailed inspection of the car. New members Lisa and Dave Thorne attended their first event and were welcomed by the members of the Club and sight of so many Healeys. Additionally, Dex Kaytis, Greg Aden, John Hedblom, Russ Thompson, Tom Spangler, Mike Scroggie, Jon Dougherty, Tim McNiff, Jeff Boysen, Matt Meyer, George Merino, Lou Fisher and myself had cars at the meet. Member Duke Hingley was there with his 1940 Coupe and Steve Gerow and Dan Burrola attended in their “other” cars.
Next we were on our way up the hill to a breakfast of bagels, Danish and coffee at 5132 Ocean View Ave., the Roses’ casa. The day’s events include three demonstrations: Moto Lita Steering Wheel refinish, Rocker Valve Adjustment and Squeaky urethane bush remedy. Our initial group was joined by Jay Miller in his BJ8 and the following members in the non-classics: Larry Bryant, Charlie Hart, Jimmie Davis, Bill Wilkman, Steve Kirby, Bill Hoyt, Rusty Massie, Ed Neumeyer, Terry Morgan, and Peter Prothero.
Peter was up first with a detailed process for refinishing the Moto Lita Steering Wheel; which started with a rough sanding using 150 grit sand paper. Followed by 350 grit paper with the final finish smooth and all nicks and original stain and sealer removed. Due to the compressed timeframe the final application of stain and sealer will wait for another day. Look to next month’s newsletter for the finished steering wheel images.
Steve Gerow led the next demonstration of Valve Lash Adjustment on Dex Kaytis’ Healey. Steve removed the valve cover, ignition cap and plugs to enable the adjustments. The process used by Steve is standard, in that each intake and exhaust valve clearance with the valve closed is measured and adjusted to 0.012“ clearance. The process is done hot on BJ8 and is lengthy to ensure the accuracy of the adjustments and requires the rotation of the cam to achieve the valve closure.
Our final demonstration addressed the squeaky urethane bushes. Many Healey owners have replaced their rubber bushes with
urethane bushes and have experienced squeaks from the bush. We removed the upper Grunion Arm to access the bushes and removed them. Next Mobile 1 Synthetic Grease was applied and the bush reinstalled and upper control arms attached. Hopefully the squeaks will be gone.
During the demonstrations a number of on-site conversations and discussions from the many members who consider themselves near-experts on all things Healey and the overall chatter helped to fill the gaps in time.
Lunch, a board meeting, and a discussion on the European Healey Meet in 2018 finished the day. Many thanks to the members who attended, those who helped with the demonstrations and Alexandra, who coordinated all the food and served as hostess. See you next year for another winter tech session.