Thanks Frank! I'm really excited, the engine is beginning to look complete. I can almost hear it running. Here's an update:
My pistons are in! Installing the pistons was really fun, like a big improvement was being made with new rings, versus just cleaning stuff. Also it was a new experience for me using the ring spreader / compressor. I dipped the rings in oil just like Joe.
4 of the 6 rod caps were previously installed with the oil hole towards the middle of the dipper. I had to turn 4 of the 6 pistons 180 degrees to get the oil hole towards the back. It was necessary to flip the pistons to maintain mated bearings.
One of the rod caps looks like it doesn't even match the rod! I suspect these have been in and out at least twice, because the rods / caps are marked with any combination of dots, dashes and numbers.
3 of the 6 rod caps are torqued nicely to 45 ft lbs. I have 3 more caps to install. 2 of the clearances measured between .0015 and .002. The third was closer to .003! I'm not too thrilled about the generous clearance.
Bearing three looks pretty bad. The others looked OK to me. Pics:
Piston 1 installedBearing 3 has seen better daysPiston 3 face
