Well, looks like I'm due for a rebuild. I feel pretty stupid because I
just got everything back together in March after installing a rebuilt
trans. Got it all together and started driving around. Wow, that trans
was so quiet (compared to the old one) that I was suddenly able to hear
a very clear "knock-knock-knock" - and it wasn't my kid telling me a
joke! I was so disgusted that I hadn't checked out the engine more
closely while it was out that I couldn't bring myself to work on it
until a few weeks ago. Finally popped the head, dropped the pan, and
pulled the rod caps. no bearings spun, but VERY worn. Kind of odd
pattern too - lower shells showing just a hint of copper, upper shells
showing LOTS of copper mainly on the edges toward the nearest main
bearing (#1 nearest the front, #4 nearest the rear, #2 & #3 toward the
center). Pulled the center cap and it was just generally worn all over.
So it my best guess is that the crank was flexing up and down in the
center somewhat. Top ring was broken and very worn on every piston.
Skirt on #4 had lots of scoring, 2 & 3 with less and 1 with none.
So anyway, I'm into this thing with both feet now. I have another
crankshaft in excellent condition already. Some quick checking with a
bore gauge tells me I probably need to go 020 over on the pistons -
worst case measurement I found checking several depths and crossways on
each cylinder was 0061 over near the top of #3 cylinder. Head looks to
be in decent shape so I'm leaving it alone for now - I have another head
that I'm going to experiment with porting a little anyway at some point.
Eddie
'71 Midget - Bebop (In pieces AGAIN)
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