I recently experienced a "death rattle" from my Rapide while coming home from the club. I cut the engine, pulled over and got home via the AA. I have now stripped the top end of the engine and found the front exhaust guide loose in the head, when I push it in andout it makes the tapping noise that frightened me so much. Enclosed are photos comparing exhaust and inlet guides. There seems to be a locking ring missing off the exhaust, that is in pieces of phospor bronze which fell out when I removed the rocker I think. What is the prognosis? I presume I need an oversize guide and new lock ring and probably a new valve (and a machine shop to fit them), but is the well where the guide fits damaged also, will this need welding up?
For comparison, here is the inlet
For comparison, here is the inlet