500 engine strip

[mickwinf]

well I received my selectors from the US, I actually ordered 350 k items as the one I wanted is the same. It turned out to be in good condition, although another one in the set looked quite worn, so was lucky. I have now rebuilt the bottom end with new chains etc, and tonight have refitted to the frame while still partly stripped as I cant lift a full engine on my own. Glad to be making progress!

[Trigger]

Nice mick. Is the engine paint or vapor blast. Spotted a whole gear box on ebay uk last night.

[mickwinf]

Trig I had to clean the engine the old fashioned way with gunk and toothbrush then wire brush and dremmel, then sprayed with silver smoothrite. Head and barrels will be hi temp silver.

[mickwinf]

Now ready to install oil pump, and I have read somewhere it should be primed before use, how is this done?

[Bryanj]

Never had to do one yet but you can fill them with vaseline

[Johnwebley]

recently had to replace clutch plates,


 what gasket sealant ,and gasket do you all use??

I used Hylomar Blue ,

your comments ??

[Trigger]

Nothing wrong with Hylomar, apart from being Blue. I use RVT marine silicone and Vesrah gaskets. NP gaskets are also a good option.

[mickwinf]

I used hylomar on the crankcases but with a gasket I use a smear of grease.

[mickwinf]

Well some progress today, got the barrels and pistons installed, was a bit fiddly as I did it on my own without a piston ring clamp. also started on the head which is a second hand one so needs the valves grinding and stem oil seals renewing. Problem is I don't have a proper spring compressor so I am using a home made tool with a woodworking clamp. it works great to remove but I am having difficulty replacing the collets as there is so little room to play with. I have tried tweezers, magnetic screwdriver and grease but took me ages to get one valve done, then realised I had not installed the stem seal!! managed to get one done after lots of swearing, but another 7 to do, any tips??

[Trigger]

You need a valve spring compressor. Yes, a bit of grease will hold the collet. make sure you hit the valve once in, to make sure the collet is seated right.
 Also make sure that the two washers are over the valve guildes. Sometimes they will fall out or the inner one will glue itself to the bottom of the spring.

[mickwinf]

luckily I had some spare valve parts as some went flying across the garage never to be seen again, the washers are still in place. I can compress the spring ok but cant get the collets in place

[kenny1059]

I am having the exact,same problem with my 400F engine.  I am using a valve spring compressor,and can get one collett in,but not the other half!! 
This is doing my head in. 
  cheers,  Kenny.

[Trigger]

Mick, you need to compress a little more down the stem. I have my compressor set so it is 5mm past the collets, place them in with a little grease and the release the compressor so it comes up fast. If the valve cap is not coming up even then it will always knock the collets out.   

[Trigger]

Kenny it is just a bit of skill. You also need to compress a little more. If the compressor is set right it is very easy.

[kenny1059]

Cheers, trigger.
Will keep trying.     Kenny.