Gummed up valves

[SimonBrown]

My S2 OTS recently developed a tappet noise which I have struggled to identify.
The engine was rebuilt 5 years and 1500 miles ago.
On removing the head, no 5 and 6 inlet valves were severely gummed up and were sticking, had touched the pistons and broken their guides. See photo below
The engine builder has said this is due to old/stale fuel. The car has always been run on standard unleaded, mostly from Sainsbury’s, occasionally with a top up of super unleaded. I only ever put in about £30 worth because of low mileage use. It is started and run until hot at least every month. My car has not shown any signs of complaint on this diet.
Has anyone else suffered in such a way?

[Gfhug]

Simon, the general advice is to always use the premium fuels as they are closer to the old five star from the days when E Types were new. Also, leaving a car to idle to get up to temperature doesn't really get all the components up to proper/realistic operating temperatures which can only be achieved by taking it for a run, a proper run if you read post 2 here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16729

Geoff

[mgcjag]

I find it very difficult to believe that useing lower octane fuel for just 1500 miles could cause that damage......yes the valves are oily but not to the extent that they could cause broken guides etc......i would be looking at how it was rebuilt.....what oil are u useing.....Steve