Milwaukee Midget

[Milwaukee Midget]

Just got back from the skunkworks.  We checked the pan and found a couple of pinhole leaks on the weld.  I needed to take the engine with, so we'll patch it up in a couple of weeks. 
I'll be doing a trial fit this week to nail down the motor mount positioning.  I'll post up some pics tomorrow on the fitment.

[fordboy628]

Just got back from the skunkworks.  We checked the pan and found a couple of pinhole leaks on the weld.  I needed to take the engine with, so we'll patch it up in a couple of weeks.  
I'll be doing a trial fit this week to nail down the motor mount positioning.  I'll post up some pics tomorrow on the fitment.

Further Saturday Update . . . . .

Sorry, no porn for racers, or photos . . . . . .



So, to the list of things accomplished:

1/   Disassembled the bolt up for the oil pan welding.    Also leak checked the weld.    PJ, 2 leaks in weld end craters, just what you would expect given the crater size . . . . . Just need to "zap em" and add a bit of filler rod.

2/   Chewed out the oil filter adaptor block for passages and fittings.    Had to be 1 front and 1 top, based on fitting size.   Used a ball end mill instead of a drill.   For smoother passages.

3/   Chris screwed the parts back together into mock up assembly, which included the crank.    That was needed to mount the front drive assembly, to check clearance.

4/   Also assembled were the head, cam ladder, cam cover, exhaust flange and the oil filter adaptor block with a couple of -10 fittings and caps.

5/   Chris bought the rods down and he checked one on the crank.    Side clearance measured out @ .007"-.008" right on the low side of the spec.    Still need to check clearance to the crankpin.

6/   I set the Sunnen gauge to check big end sizing.  First 2 were right on, 3 was in spec, #4 was .0002" tight.   Will need to break out the con rod honing mandrel for a "dust out"

7/   Since the crank was in the block, Chris hung a rod on a crankpin to check rod to cylinder bottom clearance.   No piston yet, but with 3/4" clearance, it's good.

8/   Added to the assembly were the lexan adaptor with mounted starter, and the empty transmission case.

9/   The thermostat housing & water feed pipe, oil dipstick & tube, inlet manifold with throttle bodies, etc were piled in a box to go back to Beerhaven.    Might as well check it all . . . . . . .  

10/   If I have forgotten anything, Chris can add to the list . . . . . .  and add the racer photo "porn" . .  


Back to other projects for me.   Like cranking out the cylinder head . . . . . . along with all the other projects I'm juggling . . . . .

 
IneedabreakfromRoversboy

[Peter Jack]

Mark, PM sent.

Pete

[Rex Schimmer]

 Mark,
Regarding you first point, the leak at the "end crater", I have made a number of aluminum water, oil and gas tanks and have never not had a leak at a "end crater". If there is a hole in the crater it does go all of the way through and it is a leak!

Hope you checked for leaks with water, for obvious reasons.

Rex

[fordboy628]

Mark,
Regarding you first point, the leak at the "end crater", I have made a number of aluminum water, oil and gas tanks and have never not had a leak at a "end crater". If there is a hole in the crater it does go all of the way through and it is a leak!

Hope you checked for leaks with water, for obvious reasons.

Rex

Hi Rex,

Well, since I am a bit "out of practice" for welding, I had younger hands & younger eyes perform the welding.    He is a good "alloy" welder, but there are a couple of "pinhole" defects in the welds.   After sitting for 2 hours filled with water, had a puddle the size of a nickle in one place, and 5 or 6 drops in the other place.    Not exactly "raining out", but hot oil will get out a lot easier than water.

Experienced welders, such as myself, know to "backfill" the weld zone puddle as the pedal is eased to a release at the end of an alloy weld.   I'm sure there are other techniques that work.

 
Mark



The real problem is that Chris and I can not "do everything" on this project, in spite of the total of our talents.    There just isn't the time.    And we are definitely into "crunch time".

And, in spite of what some members claim, no one can perform every last operation on their own.    Pretty much everybody requires some help, professional or otherwise, with some aspect of their project.

That's why it's a team sport . . . . . .  Anybody who has ever worked in "Professional Racing", knows what I am talking about.   

 
Supposedtoberetiredboy

[Milwaukee Midget]

Just pulled the engine out of the back of the truck.

The trip back from Illinois yesterday was incredibly windy and rainy - and bloody cold, as well.  Hit a few slick spots on the way back, but got home safely and parked the truck in the garage.

I woke up this morning to about 4 inches of Widowmaker snow.  They're called "Widowmakers" because of the number of heart attacks caused by overexertion.  Probably the heaviest, wettest snow I've seen in years. Too heavy for the snow blower, and a genuine back-breaker to clear up.

What really irks me about this storm is that had it been rain, the streets would have been cleared of all winter road salt, and I could reasonable expect to start driving the MGB again.  Normally by this time of year, I'd have a couple of hundred miles on it.

Anyway, I'll need to move some crap around and set up the engine hoist tonight, and do a trial fitment of everything this week.  I'd do more tonight, but I wrenched my right quad getting the engine out of the truck on the ice.  It'll be fine - I've got chicken soup, Ibuprofen and very rare, single barrel rye whisky in the house.

I just really thought this snow crap was behind us for the year.

That's why it's a team sport . . . . . .  Anybody who has ever worked in "Professional Racing", knows what I am talking about.   

If I've learned nothing else, I've learned that.

I've also learned I have a remarkably talented and patient team mate. 

 

[Stainless1]

I've also learned I have a remarkably talented and patient team mate. 
 

Yes you do!!!  Sure wish I did.... but then again so does Johnboy...    

[fordboy628]

Just pulled the engine out of the back of the truck.

The trip back from Illinois yesterday was incredibly windy and rainy - and bloody cold, as well.  Hit a few slick spots on the way back, but got home safely and parked the truck in the garage.

I woke up this morning to about 4 inches of Widowmaker snow.  They're called "Widowmakers" because of the number of heart attacks caused by overexertion.  Probably the heaviest, wettest snow I've seen in years. Too heavy for the snow blower, and a genuine back-breaker to clear up.

What really irks me about this storm is that had it been rain, the streets would have been cleared of all winter road salt, and I could reasonable expect to start driving the MGB again.  Normally by this time of year, I'd have a couple of hundred miles on it.

If you don't like the weather in the Great Lakes area this time of year:   Wait 10 minutes . . . . . .    Then you will like it less . . . . 

OR . . . . .   You can wait for "Climate change" to be able plant that palm tree in your back yard . . . . .

OR . . . . .   Bite the bullet, and move to Melbourne . . . . . .   More temperate, AND More SALT!

 
Getoveritboy

[fordboy628]

I've also learned I have a remarkably talented and patient team mate. 
 

Shucks . . . . .  aint I embarassed!

Thanks, not sure I deserve it.

 
M

[fordboy628]

midget,

Just a reminder that I will be at "the skunkworks" later today if you need anything from there.

Concentrating on another project, but I might get something done on Project Special K.

ALSO:  Check to see if there is room near the Oil Filter Adaptor Block to add the takeoff for an oil pressure gauge line.   I seem to recall that would be the most convenient.    And I am unsure that there is another place to measure oil pressure near the bottom end parts.    Taking oil pressure from the cylinder head area is not an idea that I would find acceptable for the application.

 
Checkthelubeboy

[fordboy628]

I've also learned I have a remarkably talented and patient team mate. 
 

Yes you do!!!  Sure wish I did.... but then again so does Johnboy...    

Stainless,

Anytime you want to visit Beerhaven/Chitown to do a little welding on the midget's project, I would be glad to have your talents.     You just have to have a tolerance for ill behaved cats . . . . . and dogs.   

BUT, the libations are plentiful . . . .  and the right price! !

    
Darkandmaltyboy

[ggl205]

Stainless,

Anytime you want to visit Beerhaven/Chitown to do a little welding on the midget's project, I would be glad to have your talents.     You just have to have a tolerance for ill behaved cats . . . . . and dogs.   

BUT, the libations are plentiful . . . .  and the right price! !

    
Darkandmaltyboy
[/quote]

Oh shoot! Don't offer Stainelss beer. I have seen him do unbelievable things for the right beer.

John

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Oh shoot! Don't offer Stainelss beer. I have seen him do unbelievable things for the right beer.

John

(FINGERS IN EARS) NyahNyahNyahIdon'twant tohear details nyahnyahnyah

[Milwaukee Midget]

Not as productive a week as I would have hoped in Beerhaven.

It was my intent to take a half-day this week and really drill down on getting this engine in place.  But between last weekend's snow, further accumulations mid-week which exasperated my stretched quad, an unforeseen disciplinary issues that consumed the better part of the week and kept me chained to my desk, a non-critical employee investigation (the investigation, NOT the employee), tabulating an employee survey for the CEO and putting forth recommendations for the Director of Finance, onboarding a new Sales executive, and setting up two corporate dog-and-pony shows, I haven't had time to do much more than get the K on the engine stand and set up the cherry picker.

Hair cut in about an hour, I'll have the afternoon today to make some headway, but I want to keep this evening open.

31 years ago today, I picked up Kate in my 1st MGB and we went out on a date.

31 years ago tomorrow, the MGB was still parked in front of her apartment.

The MGs have changed, but my good fortune hasn't.

[fordboy628]

31 years ago today, I picked up Kate in my 1st MGB and we went out on a date.

31 years ago tomorrow, the MGB was still parked in front of her apartment.

What broke on the MGB?   How much was the towing?

How did you get to your home?

I suppose it was the MG owners tried and true alternative: Walking or hitch-hiking . . . . . . .