So,, I've started on my project and being completely new to this, here are some of my thoughts and feelings so far...
*Engine---I am STILL the proud new owner of a 25/2 Ashwamegh but there are some things I have noticed that, to me, defy imagination. This engine's bottom end (and the engine in general) makes the Brooklyn Bridge look spindly, fragile and weak---why then, do they install a camshaft that looks as if it was made from left over 'Tinker Toys'? I mean, really, driving a WHOLE camshaft by one little taper pin?? If I have some time and a whole lotta extra money I may approach Crane or one of the other cam manufacturers about the possibility of a real camshaft for my twin. I'm glad I bought an extra cam from CMD...
Also, I am very glad (and still alive) that I took the advice of everyone here and dismantled the engine before running it---the rack was wide open and stuck with paint and goo plus the stop switch was painted (glued) in the ON position. The engine definitely would have turned into a 1300# grenade had I run it out of the box.
As far as cleanliness goes, the engine is pretty clean and it is painted inside with a red paint which I plan to leave intact. There are some parts such as the bearing support plates which are not painted that I will treat with a high-temp engine enamel. Lastly, it looks like my engine came with hollow dippers from the factory.
Before the engine is run it will get a bronze idler, offset idler bolt and XYZER's hollow dippers.
*Generator---my generator is a "HOPOW" (feel free to laugh; I certainly did) stc 15kw three phase unit. Like the engine, it will need some work before it can do some work such as new bearings, removing the doghouse, etc. I will also keep a sharp eye on the brushes, slips rings, etc. as the slip rings wobble a bit and the brushes are 'secured' by some of the flimsiest tin I've ever seen. This can't last long with much use. You guys who are employing these st heads as primary power for off-grid use, I lie prostrate before you in your ability to make these heads last longer than a month.
**Conclusions---I know I'm speaking to the choir here and I knew about these things before entering in to this project, but I thought I'd put my musings and feelings out there for other folks to ponder, laugh, say, 'welcome to the pool, the water is warm' etc.
So far, I'm having a blast and everyone I've dealt with (Utterpower, CMD, XYZER, et al) have been absolutley top drawer and am looking forward to maintaining relationships with them in the future.
I would also like to say thank you to Lister Engine Forum as I have thorougly enjoyed reading the posts and marveling at the wealth of information here and the level of expertise represented in the membership. I am utterly amazed.
The project is coming along, the frame is basically done, the starter works great with very little noise (even though its a Mopar) but I have some serious belt tracking issues as the belt walks off the pulleys in less than one revolution of the engine. I think the problem is my belt tensioner...
This generator is nothing more than a hobby genset with occaisional use for backup power and possibly three phase power for some future machinery I may acquire...it can also produce 480 volts---bwahahahaha!
I have pics under tlfrantz1 in the Lister Engine Gallery...check 'em out!
Respectfully submitted,
Tommy Frantz