Swapping engines

[LoneWolfGal]

I clicked the "Post Reply" button by mistake. Nothing to see here, folks. Move along...

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

You need what is call a "pass thru socket" set:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91kvbpIVoDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

The sockets have a large thru opening that the screw driver can pass thru and uses a special rachet that grips the flats on the outside of the butt end of the socket:

Now that you mention it, I would actually love to have a set of those. However, I'd be surprised if the set's 7/16" socket has a small enough outside diameter to fit in the notch and on the nut, since few do. You've installed a number of Solutions and you must be aware of the flange notch's small size, making access to the nut difficult with standard tools, so what do you use to tighten the center stud's nut?

[JFP in PA]

I have both Snap On and Astro pass thru socket sets and use one of them. At one time, both were available in both six and twelve point design, but the twelve point fell out of favor and became harder to find. We also have a couple of "modified" sockets that had the centers drilled out larger and the outside tip turned down slightly on our lathe.

Also be aware that the opening in the flange has changed over time as they updated the design, and that notch has become smaller, requiring some creativity on the installer.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

NOTE TO SELF: Get a bench grinder, for God's sake. This would have been the perfect application for one.
]

There are so many ways that could be done without a bench grinder.

You could use one of these to attach the socket to a drill and run it at high RPM over a stationary sheet of sandpaper, or a metal file, or even a grinding stone running in the opposite direction.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

There are so many ways that could be done without a bench grinder.

You could use one of these to attach the socket to a drill and run it at high RPM over a stationary sheet of sandpaper, or a metal file, or even a grinding stone running in the opposite direction.

Good idea, Al. And it probably would have been easier than my improvised grinder. However, I had a very good reason for not going that route: I didn't think of it.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Good idea, Al. And it probably would have been easier than my improvised grinder. However, I had a very good reason for not going that route: I didn't think of it.

That's an excellent reason. Had I known what your approach would be I'd have suggested it sooner. Regardless, you got it done and that's all that matters.

[LoneWolfGal]

I swear, I've been plagued with obstacles during this entire project. The latest obstacle arose when drilling out the socket. I saved the drilling for last, thinking it would be a snap. It turned out to be an order of magnitude more difficult than shaving down the socket's diameter. I broke a new drill bit trying to get through the socket's two internal partitions. That was disheartening. I'm not equipped properly. Clearly, a drill press is needed, and I'd like to have one someday, but for now I think I'm going to take the socket to a local machine shop and have them do the honors. I know those guys. I'll take a short case of Coors with me.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I swear, I've been plagued with obstacles during this entire project. The latest obstacle arose when drilling out the socket. I saved the drilling for last, thinking it would be a snap. It turned out to be an order of magnitude more difficult than shaving down the socket's diameter. I broke a new drill bit trying to get through the socket's two internal partitions. That was disheartening. I'm not equipped properly. Clearly, a drill press is needed, and I'd like to have one someday, but for now I think I'm going to take the socket to a local machine shop and have them do the honors. I know those guys. I'll take a short case of Coors with me.

They'll definitely make quick work of it. But if you want to give it another shot yourself, clamp the socket on a vise (I'm sure you have) and start with the smallest bit you have that's just bately too big for the existing hole. Drill through, then go with the next size bit and repeat until you've reached the desired diameter.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

They'll definitely make quick work of it. But if you want to give it another shot yourself, clamp the socket on a vise (I'm sure you have) and start with the smallest bit you have that's just bately too big for the existing hole. Drill through, then go with the next size bit and repeat until you've reached the desired diameter.

Yes, I started with 17/64", which was one 1/64" larger than the 1/4" holes in the internal partitions, figuring to proceed to 9/32", 19/64", 5/16", etc. all the way up to 3/8", the objective. After laboriously drilling its way through the first partition, the 17/64" broke in two. Maybe it had a structural flaw. I'll try the 9/32" before I take it to the machine shop. However, I'm pretty busy with a house purchase, so I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to find out.

At least the Solution is installed, except for torquing the flange and stud. The rear main seal will take only a couple hours, but I expect the cam chain wear pads to be a multi-day project, since I haven't done it before and I tend to be ultra-cautious and mega-meticulous with new procedures. In any case, I plan to finish the swap here before I move all my tools to a new house in a different town.

[piper6909]

Congrats on the new house!!

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Congrats on the new house!!

Thanks, Al. I'm excited.