enginehistory.org

jwilcox · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 17:57 Post subject: R 2600

Today was good, I have had the front cam out for some time and have not been able to find timing marks on it. Three of us looked with magnifiers and lights even tried it out in direct sunlight. Came to the conclusion that the corrosion had removed the marks. This morning my neighbor dropped by and had a go, with a 100 watt bulb shining sideways over the gear teeth he says "I think this is it" and sure enough there are the two o marks on the teeth, very faint but there, they now have red paint on them.
A few photos, one of the first painted parts, I just had to see what it's going to look like. One of the power section as it sit's now and one before the front gear was off. Had to post this as it shows how much improvising there is when all the CW tools are not at hand. The large homemade socket on the floor took off the drive gear nut, the hammer handle is keeping the engine from turning and the 1/2" aluminum plate with 1/2" threaded rod pulled the gear off the crankshaft. Worked great and still having fun. Now if I just had the huge bearing off the reduction gear/prop shaft!

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jwilcox · Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 19:16 Post subject: progress

Just a few photos of our progress, some more bits painted and a lot of cleaning. I've been trying to figure how to clean the cylinders, they seemed like they would be the biggest challenge. I've tried several cleaners and wanted to avoid bead blasting due to the size and difficulty of proper cleanup. Most of the cleaners have been robbed of most of their strength these days. I brushed a cylinder with CLR Grease Magnet let it stand for several minutes then washed with a pressure washer. The results were much better than expected, not completely clean but very close to what we want.
Jerry

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jwilcox · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 20:03 Post subject: cam timing

Finally got the big front drive gear back on today. Heated to 375F in our kitchen oven and it dropped on just as the book says. This means the cam timing could be confirmed. I've never done this before but there's a good description in the manual and the data plate has all the numbers. Used a timing tool I've had for years for use on opposed engines, it worked like a charm with all the valve opening and closing points showing spot on. Also have valves lapped and reinstalled in 4 cylinders. Lot's of help lately so making good progress.
Jerry

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jwilcox · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 19:42 Post subject: R2600 photos

Finally have the reduction drive apart, one minor problem noted from the accident, some new bits on the way and with any luck the front will be back together next week. Cylinder cleaning and valve work continues. A few photos of some cylinders not installed just stored on the case and one of a trial/refresher fit of the rear case drive gears.

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jwilcox · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2014 17:29 Post subject: progress

The 2600 is progressing quicker than I had expected but with spring supposedly coming work will slow a bit. We now have the nose case together, mated to the crankcase and mounted back in the assembly jig. Cam followers are going back in and after the case is painted the supercharger and rear cases will go on. More bits painted and 14 pistons cleaned and stored. One photo of my VIP visitor; she wants to see Papas engine each time they visit.
Jerry

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jwilcox · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 15:19 Post subject: Prop Blades

Hi Everyone
We are at a point with the R2600 project that we can assume it will get finished and will probably be a runner. We have 99% of everything we need engine wise but one thing missing for the front end is Propeller Blades. We have a hub and all the inside bits just no blades. The hub is a 23E50 so it's a common prop and I don't necessarily need Avenger blades but it would be nice also they will be cut to somewhere between 6 and 8' diameter so damaged tips are not an issue. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
Jerry

rkammlott · Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 47 Location: Teaneck NJ

no propeller but I always look forward to your updates.

jwilcox · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 14:54 Post subject: Getting Bigger

Engine is progressing well, getting bigger and again becoming an assembly of parts rather than parts all over my shop. Amazing how much space it takes to store all the bits, have hours of lockwire to do but soon be down to cylinder work. Also have a lead on prop blades, keeping my fingers crossed. Painted the case outside yesterday, still about 2 feet of snow here but the sun made it warm enough to do.
Photos follow.
Jerry

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jwilcox · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 15:34 Post subject: R 2600

Good to have the rear cover with all the accessory drive gears back on. This cover had been off after the crash, hardware and a few small bits were missing but we seem to have everything now. Oil pump still to go on and after that it's accessories, mags, starter, generator and fuel pump/tach drive. Cylinder work continues with 9 nearly ready, photo of a hone pattern in one cylinder and a look in an intake port.

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jwilcox · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 05:35 Post subject: prop dome

One of the photos in my last post shows the prop dome when we thought we were getting a decent polish on it, just had to add the finished product photo.

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jwilcox · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 14:25 Post subject: update

We have been steadily working at the engine, finishing up the oil pump and accessory drive pad instillations and a lot of lock wire twisting. The main focus for the last week or so has been cylinders and we now have 14 usable and other than putting valves in one and a small bit of painting they are ready to go on. 14 cylinders of this size take up a lot of space and ones daily exercise is taken care of moving them around. Will be nice to see them going back on the engine. I've ordered some new rings from Carl Skinner CW Parts in CA and should have them next week, just over half the top compression rings have quite bad corrosion and didn't want to take a chance on them breaking. One magneto checked over a bit and cleaned, they will be done in the original wrinkle finish black eventually.
Jerry

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jwilcox · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 14:52 Post subject: R 2600

ckuhns · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 36

Great photos and write up on your R-2600 restoration. I look foward to each new post. I noticed a BSA and Norton motorcycle in your shop. Do you restore old english motorcycles? Many years ago before Triumph, BSA and Norton went out of buisness I worked in a shop that handled BSA, Norton and Triumph. Carl

jwilcox · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2014 15:56 Post subject:

Hi Carl, thanks for the note. Three more cylinders on today but I'll wait on the photos until the last three are on. This has been a great project, interesting and fun even when it's been difficult. I've done several projects over the years and it's not uncommon with some at one point or another to wish it were done or worse still that you had never started. I can honestly say I have not had any of these feelings even once with this engine. I have several helpers some daily some when they can and they also seem to be having fun. It's a way's off but we are all anticipating that first start.
I am a bit of a Brit motorcycle nut, have two Nortons and one complete and one in parts BSA's. Owned my first BSA in 1968 and it's the actual one you might see in some of the photos and will be one of my next projects.
Jerry

jwilcox · Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 13:37 Post subject: cylinders on

14 cylinders on and starting to look like an engine. Several visitors have dropped by to see the work in progress but it is something to see the look on their face when they see it together. Rocker arms, push rods and tubes and covers come next then the ignition harness.

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