Post by: Gromitdog on July 14, 2024, 10:08:13 AM
I have decided to started my strip down on a 550 engine with advice and what to beware of from Ken, which has been a great help so far.
All went reasonably well cylinder cover came off ok along with the cylinder head & all the valves bar one came off easily bar one exhaust valve which required a gentle tapping out on further investigation I found that only the small washer was fitted under the valve springs and the large washer was missing which leads me to believe that possibly the exhaust valve is slightly bent as other valves fit in that position np there is lucky no damage to the piston so have been lucky there.
The main block was really hard to get off and had to be tapped off using wood and wedges got even harder as we eased the block up the main studs This turned out to be corrosion in the holes which left a rusty paste like crud on the and below the stud top threads. So they will need a die running down them to clean them up.
The bores are looking clean and I have applied general grease to them until I get round to measuring them up. Small ends 1&4 came out easily but 3&4 needed to be tapped out with a 8mm socket and showed signs of corrosion in both of the small ends and gudgeon pins .
Would anyone have spare exhaust valve and the large washer in the spares draw that I could purchase please. As I take it that the gudgeon pins and small ends can be repaired ?
Gromitdog
Post by: Murf on July 14, 2024, 11:29:50 AM
Post by: Murf on July 14, 2024, 11:43:50 AM
Post by: K2-K6 on July 14, 2024, 11:51:52 AM
It may have been affected by that and just touched a piston, that's a possibility. Anyway, a new valve should sort it.
You can check a valve for being straight by just rolling if on stem and head periphery on a piece of glass to see of the mid part of the stem runs true.
A cooker hob, if glass, makes an easy "surface plate" to roll it across. Dont get caught by owner of surface plate though ;D
Post by: Bryanj on July 14, 2024, 05:29:40 PM
Replace gudgeon pins and check small end in rod, as said if you rebore piston kits come with pins anyway.
Very common for the crud in stud holes, many times have had to use the threaded ends to "ream" the holes on dissasembly.
Are you going into the bottom end?
Post by: Gromitdog on July 14, 2024, 09:38:26 PM
Thank you to all that replied to my post I never done an engine strip so this is all very new to me so thanks for all the advice and guidance. Just going to take my time and plod through it .
Gromitdog
Post by: Mike_Berkshire on July 14, 2024, 10:18:13 PM
Good luck!
Post by: DomP on July 14, 2024, 10:38:46 PM
Post by: Bryanj on July 15, 2024, 12:52:29 AM
Post by: davidcumbria on July 15, 2024, 08:24:20 AM
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qkzj4s8ivns2f58oep7wu/Classic-Mechanics-1988-Engine-Rebuild.pdf?rlkey=tamoibyqmtgwqveiyd3528z2p&dl=0
Post by: Gromitdog on July 16, 2024, 07:52:45 AM
I get it printed off I sure it will help with the strip down & rebuild thanks.
nige
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 16, 2024, 08:57:59 AM
I would take a start photo then as I progressed take part dismantled photos. Even stuff that looks obvious where it fit's might not be obvious a couple of months or more later when you put it all back together.
I had a Haynes Manual plus looking at builds here like Julies 400 engine strip - (those pistons were bad!)
If I got stuck obviously I asked here after searching a subject.
After dismantling my 500 I spent hours looking for the main rear brake return spring. Eventually I checked my start photos to realise I had been searching for something that was missing from the start!
Also the odd hidden sneaky bolt when you are trying to seperate an item. Lastly when you find a bolt that does not want to come out - take your time - use plenty of releasing fluid etc. Put bolts in a labeled take away box or zip lock bag. Keep bolts with the covers or part they belong to etc.
Lastly when you hit a problem thinking time is important - when you need a new part don't rush to order it - ask here first it might save you money. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious - we all have different levels of ability in different areas.
Lastly Gromitdog post a project build here so new members can share your build.
Post by: Johnny4428 on July 16, 2024, 04:25:51 PM
Post by: Mike_Berkshire on July 16, 2024, 07:28:57 PM
Post by: Gromitdog on July 16, 2024, 09:21:36 PM
IPC diagrams are great as it shows you all the part in the right order 🤗 and not how you think they should go 😂
Parts are so far bagged and labelled, Open engine covered over and blanked around con rods with rag. cylinder bores are covered in general medium grease to protect against corrosion
Will keep you updated on the progress
Nige
Post by: Laverdaroo on July 16, 2024, 09:27:38 PM
I have found using stackable plastic storage boxes really useful. Tesco are the cheapest I have found.Amazon, you can get 35 Chinese take away tubs with lids for about 8 quid, great for assemblies and you can write on them and easy to stack store.
Good for washing individual parts in small amounts of expensive cleaner too.
Take photos from every angle and take them and then take them again, you can’t have too many
Invaluable
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Gromitdog on July 16, 2024, 09:36:51 PM
Your the 2nd person who has suggested the Chinese or even Indian take aways are good suppliers of cheap plastic storage containers 🤗 Trouble is they don't do your cholesterol any good 😒 but do make you feel better after you eaten one or two ;D, Spoke to Ken last week he seems to be doing ok and working away in his emporium 😉.
Nige
Post by: Bryanj on July 16, 2024, 10:14:48 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on July 17, 2024, 07:21:00 AM
Post by: florence on July 17, 2024, 08:51:12 AM
Post by: Gromitdog on July 17, 2024, 09:04:40 AM
Don't think I get away with laying the bike parts out in the living room or anywhere else come to that only just get away with it when parts spread to the boot room :(. From the garage ..........
Post by: taysidedragon on July 17, 2024, 09:06:43 AM
Roo, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, new containers from Amazon! Sod that, eat the takeaways
One litre ice cream tubs are great for small parts. Write on them with a Sharpie pen or put a label on them.
Also not good for the cholesterol!