Exactly, I always wanted a rolling restoration rather than have it off the road for longer than necessary. As I've said before - on the downside, I've got hardly anything to compare it to but as a plus, there's nobody to say "tut tut, that's not right"!! <awaits screams of disapproval from the rivet counters >

I decided to start stripping Belinda's broken engine last night and I've got to say, with the engine on the bench and with the radio on, it was a real pleasure. Overall, the engine seems clean - everything came apart with the minimum of effort & once I'd got the crankcase split, the evidence of damage to the fuel pump rod (explained in a previous post) was clear



Compared next to a good rod, it's clear that the rod has indeed mushroomed inside the block. There appears to be no damage to the cam so as I'd done well for time I decide to quit while I was ahead and I can take my time to clean and inspect everything next week slow time.

Having got the crankcase halves apart last week, I've cleaned the mating surfaces up & given the main components an initial clean last night to assess their condition. When I got the engine I was told it had done around 60,000 miles and to my (untrained) eye I don't really have any reason to doubt that.



The following pics do show what I have found though and I'd like your opinions please.

First of all, the cam that operates the fuel pump rod is scratched on the high point where it was mushrooming the rod itself. The cam hasn't changed profile, it's just scratched.



Next, there is a small groove in the inner surface of the crankcase hole where the piston fits through. I can feel it with my finger.



The pistons themselves are discoloured



and finally, the cylinders have one or two faint scores that I CAN'T feel with my fingernail

Quick question - is there a good reason why I shouldn't use the air cleaner stay to mount a Harley Coil as shown below (as long as I keep LT & HT leads clear of hot metal)?

i would *think* if its secure and the HT leads are clear of hot metal you should be ok? but i think there is a reason citroen mounted the coil near the grille (for cooling) but obviously its a bit different for you. thats not really much help is it? sorry!

That's it - I can (and have) mounted mine behind the grill but it makes things a little difficult everytime I want to run the engine without the grill fitted (adjusting timing for instance). I know some have mounted it on the gearbox before but the air cleaner stay seems just as good.

on the pick up my coil is mounted in that area so cooling shouldnt be too much of an issue

I did a bit of interior fitting this week with some LED lights & even a TV. I got hold of a unit a while back that is actually a product that is designed to fit under a kitchen unit but as it operates off 12V, I thought I could build it into the storage area above the seats in Belinda

I like that idea. is that built in sat-nav I see on the dash as well?

Bump;)

very nice clear pics and descriptions here... can we have anyone comment on the condition of the engine*?

*(looks @ Mr Hanna and the Viking bastard )

Harley