‘51 8N rebuild continued

Jim in LA

Member
Finally got back to working on the ‘51. Had cataract surgery/lens replacement on August 12 and it did not go well. Fluid in the back of the eye has made things difficult but improving slowly. I was able to get the main bearings,crankshaft, cam, and lifters in this afternoon. I hope to get all the valves cleanened,lapped, and adjusted tomorrow. The piston assemblies came with the rings already installed. I will remove them, hopefully without breaking any and measure the ring end gaps in the sleeves. I really need to scoot on this as I was hoping to restart the engine by Oct 11, which was the date I restarted my ‘49 two years ago.
 

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I would be tempted to measure a top ring and if it passes, there should be no problem. Unless your bored and need adult supervision.
It's fun being blind in one eye and can't see out the other. I am not far behind you. Cataracts and Glaucoma.
At least it's coming along.
 
I would be tempted to measure a top ring and if it passes, there should be no problem. Unless your bored and need adult supervision.
It's fun being blind in one eye and can't see out the other. I am not far behind you. Cataracts and Glaucoma.
At least it's coming along.

I still have a hard time trusting someone else bothered to fit/measure parts.

Eyes, I'm just at the point of not seeing up close anymore without reading glasses. I think I have a dozen pairs: one I keep in the truck, one in the shop, beat up ones in a glasses case for general outdoor work, one by the computer, spares, one in the kitchen........

I can still hunt with opens, and see a tipup pop up across the pond.
 
I still have a hard time trusting someone else bothered to fit/measure parts.

Eyes, I'm just at the point of not seeing up close anymore without reading glasses. I think I have a dozen pairs: one I keep in the truck, one in the shop, beat up ones in a glasses case for general outdoor work, one by the computer, spares, one in the kitchen........

I can still hunt with opens, and see a tipup pop up across the pond.
I try to keep at least two pair of reading glasses in the truck and three or four in the cupboard.
 
~~And at what point do you risk the action over the reward?
If one got put together correctly, very good chance they all did.
Pulling it all apart to inspect it can be a good idea.
Then when you break a part, you can order another set and wait another 10 days.
 
I still have a hard time trusting someone else bothered to fit/measure parts.

Eyes, I'm just at the point of not seeing up close anymore without reading glasses. I think I have a dozen pairs: one I keep in the truck, one in the shop, beat up ones in a glasses case for general outdoor work, one by the computer, spares, one in the kitchen........

I can still hunt with opens, and see a tipup pop up across the pond.
If you count the glasses I keep in the shop I now have 5 pair of glasses. I keep a pair of computer glasses by the computer and one in the shop. I also keep a pair of reading glasses in the shop. I have a pair of distance glasses that are my everyday glasses for driving etc. A few years back I bought a leather case with two compartments that I always carry with me. In one compartment I have a second pair of reading glasses and in the other I have a second pair of computer glasses. Needless to say multi focal glasses drive me crazy and I can't wear them. For real fine work I don't wear glasses at all but what ever I am working on has to be held two inches from my nose. This last year I am noticing I can no longer see the instrument gages while driving with my distance glasses. Not sure what to do next. The Doc says I am not quite ready for cataracts removal but when that happens I won't need distance glasses and I could wear a pair of those half glasses while driving. Keep keeping on!
 
Finally got back to working on the ‘51. Had cataract surgery/lens replacement on August 12 and it did not go well. Fluid in the back of the eye has made things difficult but improving slowly. I was able to get the main bearings,crankshaft, cam, and lifters in this afternoon. I hope to get all the valves cleanened,lapped, and adjusted tomorrow. The piston assemblies came with the rings already installed. I will remove them, hopefully without breaking any and measure the ring end gaps in the sleeves. I really need to scoot on this as I was hoping to restart the engine by Oct 11, which was the date I restarted my ‘49 two years ago.
When putting the oil pan back on, leave the drain plug and screen out until pan is installed. I didn't and bent oil pickup tube.
 
Monday’s progress: got the valves cleaned,lapped, and installed.
Tuesday: removed top ring on all pistons and checked the ring end gap. All had .010-.012 gap so I can only ASSUME that the others all match. Engine turned over easy after installing all pistons and rods.
 

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Well, I finally got the tappet clearances adjusted no problem. Installed the oil pan and timing cover. I got the clutch installed and the engine hung on the tractor Sunday afternoon with brother’s help and was able to attach the front axle assembly. Today(Monday) had dentist appointment and visited brother. I got home in time to install new manifold and the head and the distributor. Tomorrow morning torque head and manifold and add water pump,alternator, and oil filter. Hope to have her running Friday. Pics later.
 
Oct 31 progress: got the oil lines and filter cup installed, drain peacock in the block, front axle support bolts all tight. Muffler and pipe assembly ordered, will be here Tuesday. To do: spark plugs battery ground cable, tool box,install radiator and hosed fill with fluids check ignition timing, install fully charged battery, install test gas tank and fill, pray,turn on ignition, press starter button and……………….
 

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