Smiles' Top End Rebuild Thread

Inspect the exhaust ports carefully. The old, crushed exhaust gaskets may still be stuck in there. It looks like you still have some cleaning to do. I see lots of gasket remnants on the mounting surfaces where the points/advance housings will go. Dab some paint stripper on them and let it soak, then they should come right off.
 
Thank you guys for your input.

When it comes to installing the cam, is using a dial indicator the beat way to ensure the pistons are at TDC? How do you account for any dwell the pistons have at TDC?
 
Thank you guys for your input.

When it comes to installing the cam, is using a dial indicator the beat way to ensure the pistons are at TDC? How do you account for any dwell the pistons have at TDC?
Use the timing mark on the rotor.... that's what it's there for.;)
 
Alright guys, I had a little bump in the road. I was working on riveting the cam chain and, you guess it, dropped part of it into the motor. Fortunately, I was able to retrieve it after removing the jugs.

It looks like there's a couple spots ripped off the base gasket. It looks like part of the outer surface, it did not rip all the way through. Is this usable in this condition, or does it need to be replaced? The non-hardening gasket sealer I used is still a little tacky, but not soft enough that any stick to my finger. Is this ok like this, or would it be alright if I just out some more on and went with it?

Lastly, is there an easy way to put the pistons in the cylinders with thet still connected to the connecting rods? I'd rather not take them off again if at all possible, especially so if I don't need any other parts from Mike's (I.e. if the base gasket is ok).

I feel pretty dumb about this one, hopefully it doesn't set me back too much.

Thanks!
 
it did not rip all the way through. Is this usable in this condition, or does it need to be replaced?
Ask yourself if you want to risk pulling the motor back out and apart if it does leak....
but not soft enough that any stick to my finger. Is this ok like this, or would it be alright if I just out some more on and went with it?
Yeah, just add a smidge more...
is there an easy way to put the pistons in the cylinders with thet still connected to the connecting rods?
Nope. No easy way. You'll have to work the rings up into the jugs two by two. After numerous tries at that, you'll wish you'd just pulled 'em off.
Not to rub salt in an open wound but.....

36.jpg
 
Hey Jim,

Thanks for the reply. I thought I had enough rags in there but I guess not...

Oh well, at least I found the piece without having to break the motor down more.

Here are the pictures of the base gasket I meant to attach earlier but if I need new piston pin clips I might as well buy another gasket.
 
If that's the only place... and let me stress that... only place it tore, you'll be OK reusing it. Leave the torn piece in place and just put a tad more sealant on it.
 
just my 2cents, but i've found it easier to remove the pistons from the rods and insert them in the jugs while on the bench. Then lower the whole assembly down and reinstall the piston wrist pins. I've done it both ways, just don't re-use the wrist pin keepers if you have removed them.
 
Thanks for the input. That's how I did it last time so I was looking for a way to not have to do that again, but I figure it shouldn't take up too much extra time.
 
Back in the shop today cleaning up and getting ready to reassemble again. I was pretty displeased to see that one of my base o rings got a little munched up since I got the other needed parts in today.Guess ill be paying for more shipping from Mike's!
 

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Well, it also looks like little bits of my head gasket stuck to the jugs when I pulled the head off. Am I corcorrect in my assumption that any potential damage to the head gasket should be dealt with by buying a new gasket?
 

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Hard to tell from a pic, but that looks like it's just the copper sealant pulled off. Might be OK to respray and use.
Keep in mind, your default needs to be... "if in doubt, replace."
 
Hard to tell from a pic, but that looks like it's just the copper sealant pulled off. Might be OK to respray and use.
Keep in mind, your default needs to be... "if in doubt, replace."
It seems like yhere was a bit of the fabric too, not much though. I appreciate your input on all of this. I haven't had luck finding the cylinder o-rings, do you happen to have a part number?
 
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