Re flushing crankcase: What would you use? If I use petrol will it dry up the journals too much? What about Paraffin/Kerosene or Diesel?
I would use paraffin to flush, drain it out, fill with new oil run the engine then change the oil again.
Roy, I was thinking that maybe the knocking was caused by some small part falling into the case. I was going to basically wash it out hoping that any crap would fall out of the sump. I've had a good peer inside with my super bright LED torch and decided that there is nothing alien in the case.
What I have found and that has shocked me is wear on the cam followers. I've only done about 3 miles! They look like they've been in for years! Can you see in pic 3, that there is sharp, raised edge left by the wear? The cam trough was good and oily when I took the lid off, so they've not been running dry. I always oil parts that are going to be rubbing together anyway.
I'm wondering if the noise that I heard was a sudden massive increase in valve clearance. I'm trying to convince myself that that is what it was. I should have got followers from SRM; I guess that's what I'll have to do now, and try to get a refund on those dodgy ones.
Jesus H Christ, those SRM followers must have diamonds set into them; £175!!!! Regardless, I've ordered a set and paid for Special Delivery. You never know, I may yet get to the camp in West Yorkshire at the weekend.