Engine - Pt 3

OK then, finally made a start on the engine build. Loads of reading and preparation before starting as this is not something I do on a regular basis.

First thing to do was very thoroughly re-clean the block with particular attention to the oil galleries. I got a set of gallery brushes from Stateside Autos and used loads of brake/clutch cleaner to make sure that all was good. Essentially we are starting here with a nice clean painted block.

As I am 'stroking' the engine from 302 to 347 I have to make sure that the rod bolts all clear the piston bore skirts (and anything else as well). I assembled the crank one piston/rod assembly and began methodically to check where the issues are. These were all marked in green for removal shortly. This was all then re-checked just to make sure.

The next stage had me sweating buckets as I really didn't want to slip and gouge a bore!!. I proceeded very slowly at all 8 areas first using the die grinder following with the Dremel and a sanding drum to remove all sharp areas and corners. The result is what I hoped for in that all are now well clear so no more interferences.

Shows interference for cylinder 1

Area to be removed at cylinder 5

Now ground and polished

Cleaned thoroughly and then each cylinder was checked

There was a awful lot of cleaning after the grinding and polishing. Then some more!!

Next came the core plugs. These had sealant applied around their edges before placing in the holes in the block. Each was hammered home using a suitable size socket. All seated just below the chamfer. After this all excess sealant was cleaned off.

Shows interference for cylinder 1

Area to be removed at cylinder 5

Next came the oil gallery plugs. These were all drilled and tapped to take socket grub screws. As before these had sealant applied before inserting and tightening up.

This just leaves the gallery plugs and the camshaft cover but I will have to take the block off of the stand to do this which is a bit of a pain so will do that when I next have a few hours spare. So it is all bagged up and sealed for now to keep it clean for later.