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Falco is on the bench for new radiators and general TLC.

Radiator's have arrived and look good. Thought I'd do an oil change with close inspection of the oil and oil filter, and valve clearance check. Can't get the front cam cover bolt undone, allen key hole has rounded and can't get at it to drill or hammer.

Fine traces of phosphor bronze in the oil, not much but enough to be disconcerting. So maybe it's an engine out job. Not done this before but guess I'm half way there. Anything particular to watch out for?

Cheaper to buy another motor maybe so let me know if you hear of a low mileage big valve lump or even standard, with genuine history.

If you've got an allen key you're willing to sacrifice, mix up some JB Weld or similar, put it in the rounded off allen head and then when it's nearly gone off push your allen key in. Leave to set and it might give the key enough bite to get the bolt out.

Can't suggest anything as regards the motor though. Where would the phosphor bronze be likely to come from? Big end shells are white metal aren't they?

HisNibbs wrote: Fine traces of phosphor bronze in the oil,

Bugger - sounds like big end problems

Thanks for the tip on the allen bolt. I said phospher bronze but I've not been able to analysed it exactly. Metalic, non magnetic with a slightly bronzish hue, but maybe that comes from the oil.

There is a reminder to you all to ensure your drain tray is perfectly clean before draining then let it stand for an hour or so before pouring away. Like panning for gold in the drain tray, except you don't want to find anything...

I've had luck in the past by forcing the next size up star bit into a rounded off Allen key hole - depends on the clearance I suppose.
Might be worth checking on the well documented Falco issues before removing motor - rotor bolts and clutch damping spring retaining plate/clutch pushrod bearing.

Thanks Chabby, I think I have some of those.