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engine rebuild // hard to rotate crank pulley
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fiberbug
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:05 pm    Post subject: engine rebuild // hard to rotate crank pulley Reply with quote

rebuilding my 1500. I have brand new cylinders, pistons and rings installed.

I then installed heads and rocker assembly. When I rotate pulley to set valve timing. There's a bit of resistance when turning engine over. (I've got a crescent wrench on the crank pulley.)

This is my first rebuild. Is this resistance normal?
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fiberbug
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Also... The new pistons shipped fitted into their cylinders. I noticed these were very tight when pulling them out. I'm guessing that this is where the resistance is occuring.

Thanks in advance for any help
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Max Welton
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Certainly new rings riding in new cylinders will offer a bit of resistance. Did you check the ring gaps when it was apart for cleaning?

If the crank turned freely by itself, before the rods were connected I would say you're OK.

Max
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fiberbug
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The crank was spinning fine before I put the cylinders/pistons on.

Since the rings came already installed on the pistons, I didn't check any gaps. It was a complete set. Pistons, cylinders, rings.

I made sure I flooded the cylinders with plenty of oil before installing. It just seems really tight as I turn the pulley over.
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Towel Rail
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try leaving the plugs out until you're ready to start the engine.

When I rebuilt my 1600, I almost thought something was wrong, but nope, new pistons are tight in their cylinders. Smile
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Mr. Loaf
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:55 am    Post subject: Wrench Reply with quote

Get rid of the crescent wrench..................
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Max Welton
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

fiberbug wrote:
The crank was spinning fine before I put the cylinders/pistons on.

Good. That rules out the crank and case.

fiberbug wrote:
Since the rings came already installed on the pistons, I didn't check any gaps. It was a complete set. Pistons, cylinders, rings.

IMO, that is a mistake. You did take the rings off and clean the pistons and rings right? There is typically all sorts of very abrasive grit in there.

Max
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DrDarby
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Also I hope you set the ring gaps per spec.
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airic
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Take the pistons back out, check for broken rings, clean them, align them, check gaps.....

Or just put it back together, and fire it up and hope it was all right.,

your choice
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vintageorbust
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Make sure you're placing the gaps of the rings away from each other. i.e. the ring openings should be in a Y shape. Make sure the rings are right side up. Did you put some motor oil in the cylinder before you stuck the pistons in? It's important. It'll help things move easier.
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Rome
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PostPosted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try leaving the plugs out

Yep. If you have the spark plugs firmly tightened, but do not yet have the rocker arms+pushrods installed, you are compressing 375cc of air into about 55cc for each cylinder (7:1 compression ratio). The air has no where to go except slowly past the fresh new piston rings, since the valves are not yet opening to let the air pressure escape. This is why you experience so much resistance to turning. Take the plugs out before you do anything, then see how "easy" the engine turns.
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Busin
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

with new pistons and cylinders you should ALWAYS take them apart before installing them to check the alignment of the rings, as the factory doesn't do that before they ship them out.
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connella08
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mine were the same way when i bought them. they came with the pistons inside of the cylinders. i pulled them out and cleaned them, then lubed the side walls with 10W30 and slid them back in. i bet thats where he made the mistake. i wonder if maybe he didnt oil the pistons before he put it together.

after about an hour of running time, my engine turns nice and smooth.
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