Repairs, frustrations and Plan “B” …….

With TraxDay looming on the 7th of April, race at Zwartkops on the 13th and entries closing of the 5th ………..

The whole reason for pulling the engine so soon after the last race was to prevent high pressure heading in to the next events …….

The crankshaft in the engine we purchased not fit for immediate use and the sub assembly in the picture from Johan and a potential standard crank in usable condition at a price ……

Johan De Kock at work on the sub assembly

Johan De Kock at work on the sub assembly

Decisions had to be made and Johan’s seemed the most viable for a speedy and cost effective solution. Then follows a string of other expenses.

The sub comes without a usable crankshaft. One of ours goes 20 thou. And has a previous flywheel bolt broken of inside which will now probably have to be arc extruded.

The pistons exceed past the block due to the block being cut down with an estimated 5mm to increase compression. (Thicker head gasket required). This also leaves the challenge of the valves clearing the pistons using one of our two camshafts. (Both brand new profiled of which the most reputable showing lobe wear after four heats)

And then due to all the variables – “Plan B”

We decide to start with the repairs of the “original” block as all we actually really needed was a crankshaft. It would not be ideal but would have us at the next race. It is a slow start but here goes …….

Cylinder head and block partially paint stripped

Cylinder head and block partially paint stripped

Head prepped first

Head prepped first
Followed by the block

Followed by the block

Results: The head

Results: The head

and the block ....

and the block ….

Tomorrow, workshop and remaining spares cleanup, Tuesday have the second crankshaft machined. Acquire the required main and big end bearings, piston rings, small ends, gasket set, oil ………..       How do you run in an engine during a race?