Waiting for HM1103. Might as well build a motor!

[Spuddyboy]

This was a lot easier when the IRS was not attached to the main frame.

[Spuddyboy]

We have plenty of clearance inside the wheels for ventilation.

[Spuddyboy]

Here's the front.

[MFE III]

Evan, would you ask Kerianne what safety wire tool she recommends  .
As much luck I've had with Harbor Frieght, their safety wire tool just doesn't cut it.
Matt

[Spuddyboy]

Matt -

I've been using the safety wire tool from Harbor Freight....and b*tching about it every time I use it.  

But in theory, our safety wiring should be done...in theory. I think.

- kerianne

[Spuddyboy]

I told her I'd buy her a nice set from Summit for Christmas, but I guess she wanted something else!

The Harbor Freight ones...well.....suck. But the Summit ones are close to 90 bucks. I guess it all depends how many times I have to take the IRS and Brakes apart.

Evan

[Spuddyboy]

Finally got some time to work on the car....sort of.  after some solid months of travelling for work....Replacing Kerianne's Side door and having a blast Autocrossing the other toy  .  

We're at the point that we should drop the engine in the frame.  When draining the fluids from the motor, we noticed a small amount of tiny metal shavings in the oil. We decided to drop the pan to see if we could find out why.  

[Spuddyboy]

Surprise, surprise.  I guess we found out what that pesky little ticking was.  The best we can tell, this is a cup plug from one of the front block oil passages.  It must have popped and fallen down through the timing chain cover.  The engine had just been run the day before for a brief period and sounded ok.  We did notice a drop in oil pressure from 60 to about 40.  

Looks like we'll be taking the front of the engine off......weh.    Think it's time to go on vacation.  

[Spuddyboy]

There didn't seem to be any other signs of damage under the engine.  We may have dodged a major bullet.  (So glad I built that test stand!)  Hopefully any damage is confined to the front cover and timing chain.  Not really looking forward to dealing with THAT nightmare again....but it could be much worse.