Hey Friends,
Today I began work on the TD's engine - my favorite mechanical work.
The goal is to lighten the engine a little before lifting it free of
the frame (and to have a little fun). So the first step was to pull
the head. I had removed the generator earlier.
I started by removing the spark plugs and laid them out in 1-4, L-R
order. They look just fine, if a bit oil-wet. Remember, this engine
hasn't run in years.
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1356.JPG
Here's how things looked right after lifting the valve cover free.
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1357.JPG
And after looking more closely, a problem is immediately apparent.
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1358.JPG
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1359.JPG
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1360.JPG
I removed the lifter box cover and the bent and broken pushrod was obvious.
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1363.JPG
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1361.JPG
All the cam followers (lifters, if you will) look great, save one, #8.
That one shows the first signs of abrasion of the surface hardening.
Next, I pulled the head, expecting the worst but here's what I found.
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1364.JPG
http://www.aubard.us/MGTD/HPIM1365.JPG
There's no F.O.D. and actually, no evidence of any damage below the
deck! That means, the problem that caused the bent and broken pushrod
is probably in the head. I guess that pushrod could have been
installed already bent by some P.O. during a crappy rebuild (in the 60
years since leaving its maker) then broke from repeated flexing.
Never heard of that happening, but who knows? Guessing here. Then
again, I might find something ugly when I get into the head...
Sadly, this is where the story stops - for now - because Nancy said,
"Lunch is ready." The head is resting on the front frame cross-member
awaiting inspection and surgery. More after diagnosis...
-rick
PS: Aren't those the cutest little pistons?! :-P
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