JMJ
Greetings! Welcome back to the shop! Just a few updates as we prepare to begin rebuilding.
Looking ahead to some of the bearing work, I bought a small press at Northern Tool. It was on sale in the weekly flyer, and then I got another $30 off when I went to pick it up at the local store.
I also found a good deal on a parts washer, so I ordered one of those as well (amazon.com). The variety of water-based cleaning agents is impressive, so I selected a brand that promised to be environmentally friendly. As it turned out, that product can discolor raw aluminum, so I promptly returned it. (Moral here is to read the small print carefully.) My son recommended Simple Green based on his experience with parts washers and people he knows, so I bought a gallon at the local Walmart.
Recently, I tripped over fixmyhog.com. The recommended video happened to be about installing gear-driven cams. I watched the entire series in one sitting. Then I watched it again. See links on Resources page. With the clarity that came from watching Mike Roen install that kit, I decided this was what I wanted to do on my machine. So, I ordered the Cam Chest Conversion Kit, Gear-Driven, with .510″ lifters from S & S Cycles. This is the most lift recommended using stock valve springs.
At the same time, I ordered the new flywheel. Since I’m not looking to increase bore or stroke, nor do I wish to make major modifications to the crankcase, I decided to stick with stock roller bearings in the mains. Another factor against the Timken bearings was the $1,500 installation kit. Yikes! Not for a one-time use tool. I’m sure that I could have found someone to do that install for me, but, I’m trying to do as much as I can in my shop. With the new S & S flywheel assembly, I am now officially over budget. Technically, I probably could still be under budget had I stuck with chain-driven cams and the original lifters, pushrods, etc., but this engine should be bullet-proof when we’re done. A short “unboxing” video follows.
The Camshaft Remover – Installer (JIMS 1277) has also arrived. This one came new from ebay.com. The box wasn’t too pretty, but the parts were still sealed in the original plastic and were in great shape.
That’s about it for now. More soon!
Cheers!
Very exciting, Howard! That motor is going to be sweet.
Excellent narrative. Pictures complete the instructions. One would think you are an instructor by profession. LOL Chants are a nice touch. I do wonder if reassembly will prove to be a challenge. Things that come apart in many pieces can be a challenge to put back together. I think you are up to the challenge. I see a ride for sure.