Modestine

[DavidLaver]

I imagine the crank is some lump to heave about.  Is there a knack?

Be thinking of you tomorrow...

David

[Dilambdaman]

Thanks David.

The problem is that the flywheel has to be fitted to the crank before putting it in the engine. The cross member which also has to be fitted won't allow it to be fitted later.

A five main bearing eight cylinder crank and flywheel takes some lifting. I can just about manage it but prefer to use a hoist in the interest of personal safety and reducing the chance of damaging anything.

Robin.

[fay66]

Personal as well as mechanical

Good luck with the rebuild Robin.

Brian
8227

[rogerelias]

Everything crossed and strapped to me chair hope all goes well

[Dilambdaman]

EUREKA!!  - well, I hope so!

Just may have found the elusive engine rattle.

Referring to the picture attached: Distance piece 1024 is attached to splined shaft 1018 with 8 bolts 7602.
The heads of these bolts run in close proximity to the thrust race bearing housing 1021 and are impossible to see with the engine in the car.
They are very difficult to fit with the engine in the car and to make it easier we reversed them placing the spring washer and nut on the side nearest the housing.
There was insufficient clearance and the 8 nuts have been in contact with the housing which I believe (hope!) resulted in the machine gun like noise.
This was not of course the noise those of you heard at the AGM. That was a big end which masked the rattle and which has been re-metaled.
It could also be the reason for the slight clutch slip I've been experiencing.

The engine is going back in the car today so sometime soon we should know one way or the other. 

Robin.

[ncundy]

Sounding promising - we may have to get that "loudest collective cheer on the forum" medal pressed yet 

[fay66]

Robin,

Really hope you've found it at last, sounds very promising, waiting to let rip my bit of the collective cheer

Brian
8227

[Neil]

Robin, it sounds very promising that you have finally cracked that difficult 'nut'!  I am sure I heard a cheer as I opened the recent replies...  btw I have a Dilambda plaque for you via my parents who found it a junk shop, I will post a picture of it later.

[Neil]

Plaque as promised, which is not mounted on the base squarely by its previous owner, a web award for all your hard work and perseverance in determining the problem and keeping us all informed!

[rogerelias]

And i've tightened the straps on me chair ready for lift off 

[Dilambdaman]

You shall go to the ball Modestine!

An 18 hour day yesterday has her up and running again and so far we have excellent oil pressure and no engine rattle! It was a huge task as I was very largely on my own - picture attached gives you some idea. Check out the size of the engine hoist a friend kindly gave me some time ago.

So, we're off to Malvern for the week long VSCC 75th anniversary celebration. A weeks gentle motoring will see if the problems are finally behind us, although she will be going over on a trailer just in case! Let's hope its not a false dawn.

Many, many thanks to all who offered suggestions, advice and support. It so often gave my flagging spirits a much needed lift and increased my determination not to be beaten.

Robin.

[fay66]

Good luck Robin,
let's hope you've finally cracked it and you can enjoy driving and owning her once again, besides giving your wallet a rest!
That's one heck of a lump to have to handle

Brian
8227

[ncundy]

Excellent - and thanks for sharing it (warts and all). Compelling reading, plenty of lessons learnt and the right result, touch wood - to quote Big Chris "it's been emotional" 

Have a good time.
Neil

[rogerelias]

Thats really good news Robin, we are going over for the day on saturday to Malven, so may see you there.

[stuwilson128]

Fantastic news Robin.  Like everyone else, I really hope that the problem has finally been solved and you can enjoy owning Modestine again.