Howard's M151A2 Restoration

[kmam]

The block is back from being reconditioned and now the assembly starts. Here are a few pictures of the beginning work and, hopefully, when this post is done I will be showing it driving!

[rickf]

Ah yes, rebuilding an engine that needs to be kept spotlessly clean, in the dirt. Brings back memories of my younger days, much younger. Be sure you keep that thing very clean. Any wind that blows, even scuffing your feet, can put a fine grit in there that will destroy the bearings when you start it. Tightly wrap it in a plastic bag when not working on it.

[m75]

I had the same thought until I read Rick's post. bad dreams, seeing such a nice block laid open to the dirt, leaves and pending bird crap in the background.

[kmam]

Yeah, looks bad. Actually my mate, a mechanic, is fastidious and the work is being carried out indoors after that initial wash and dry. I even got into trouble putting a freshly laundered cotton sheet over it without properly shaking it to remove any fabric dust that may have been on it!

Work is slow as I can only get to his place once a week but I will post progress pictures in case anyone is interested. It has been 20 months since I started this and I am getting somewhat excited now that I can see the end approaching. My first drive will be something memorable!

Thanks for looking, and commenting.

Howard

[kmam]

Some progress! The new oil pump - the original reason for the pull down which then revealed a range of issues leading to purchase of new pistons, rings, bearings, machining of block and shafts, etc!

Howard

[rickf]

Looking good, the water jacket area looks spotless. Perfect bearing clearance.

[kmam]

Some more progress today:

[kmam]

And some work on suspension and brakes we completed previously.

[rickf]

Looks like you will be needing some new brake shoes, you have one good and one bad there. Motor is looking real good.

[kmam]

Today's work

More progress

Seal on

Flywheel on

Clutch fitted

Bell housing on

Gearbox going on


Gearbox on

[kmam]

I'll have to check that out, thanks Rick.

Howard

Looks like you will be needing some new brake shoes, you have one good and one bad there. Motor is looking real good.

[rickf]

You are taking a very big risk hanging that engine on end from that eye bolt on the back of the head. Those are famous for breaking off on even less of an angle just from a chain hooked to a hoist in the center. I never depend only on that eyebolt, I always have a second strap somewhere just in case.

[m75]

There is that big lifting piece located at the front of the valve cover.... that has been the second point of contact when I have pulled M151 engine power packs. I agree with Rick, just one lift point is very risky, especially after watching all of your hard work!

[rickf]

He is lifting from both but that rear one has been know to break and drop the rear of the of the trans on the floor, ask me how I know. That eye bolt is nothing more than a hardware store piece made for rope, nothing special about it. I usually run a ratchet strap from the lifting mechanism down to the e-brake drum in addition to the rear engine lifting eye. Call it insurance. Once you have one let go you never want it to happen again.

[kmam]

Thanks for the tip guys - actually would never want to have it happen the first time! I would hate to see it come crashing down after all the work!

Howard