New engine for the 45

I've been working on rebuilding an engine for my 45 for quite a while now. The one in it still runs great but leaks oil like a sieve. My plan is to pull it and replace then do a rear-main, pan gasket, front seal job on it.

Thought I would post some pics of the progress. A shot of the block after hot-tank. Wasn't real impressed with the lack of cleaning.

I wound up having to use a WD block. couple shots after I finished the clean-up.


Here's a shot of the crank going in. This was quite a process. The block had no shims in it. I thought, cool, been line-bored. Wrong, just had all the shims removed. Spent a coupe of weeks making shims and measuring to get where I was happy with the clearance.

The rotating assembly finally together.

Being a WD block, the main bolts were lock-wired. I worried about this for quite a while then decided to just buy some pliers and wire and learn to do it.

Not as good as the guys on U-tube but a whole lot better than what I found when I pulled the pan. Made a few 'bones' learning the process.

Oil pump and timing cover on.

That's all for now. Will update as I make progress, Mike.

The engine you are rebuilding, is it a WD or a WD45?

nope, WD's had pushrod covers on the side of the block too. WD-45's didnt

Looks like you are going at it the right way, keep up the good work. I don't understand all the broken wire. lol 

like the aircraft safety job,had to have a pair of safety wire twisters.....

Nice job !! Better to go slow and get it right the first time.

I will try to keep this updated through the process. I am ready to put the pan on now, Thanks to Don for the demo and video. Without that it would have been interesting trying to get it sealed up. Still could be but I feel like I've got a fighting chance.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. 

Yes, new cam bearings. When I started on this, i didn't really set a budget. Probably a good thing. Got some pics of the head I will post soon. I think the only things that are not new is the casting and the valve springs.

Made a little progress today. Got the head and plate on. Had to interrupt the fun to rebuild corn meters for the planter. Hopefully be planting corn in a couple weeks. Here's a couple shots of the head back from the machine shop.
 


And finally bolted down.


I feel like I'm getting close, won't be long and paint will start flying. Not my strongest suit. Hopefully it will look ok.

Thanks Don, I might have caught that before it goes in the tractor. At least I hope I would have.

Nice work Mike. You are doing great.

Are there any secrets to get that oil filter housing sealed?  I think all of mine leak.

Time for a little update.
I had quite a time with the rocker arms. Tip for anyone else doing this, head, rocker-arm support stand, stud, and valve cover are all specific to 3 or 4 inch head. This engine has the four inch head from a 45, the wd engine I got the block from had the three inch. Long story short, I spent a lot of time getting all the parts to match.

Here's one of my time killers. Had the wrong valve cover ready for paint. The right one wasn't.

I had one adjusting screw that wouldn't turn. Did a total tear down to change it, put new corks in while apart.

Just about ready for paint.

When I installed the governor spring and cover I discovered I had plumed the oil lines incorrectly. Got that straightened out and masked everything off.


The primer laid down real nice.


Since I had the tall valve cover naked, went ahead and primed it too. Thought about painting it but not sure if I will use it or sell it. Can always paint later.
 
And painted, three coats of pure misery for me. If I ever learn how to paint without runs I will be one happy guy.

What ended up happening to the other block? Was it any good?