46 Chief - Need Engine Rebuild

[fogfrank]

indianut @ laughingindian.com can return to you a completed one kick powerplant. He has done for me a 1947 45ci and 1969FL shovelhead. Both from the flywheels up. Don't see how anyone can do justice to a powerplant without the aforementioned equipment.
fogfrank
A.M.C.A. member
F.O.G. member

[exeric]

I am a firm believer in trying to do things for yourself and if you're going to be a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, and antique motorcycle collector, you will have to pick up a few skills. Doing a motor is a big step and does require a lot of specialized equipment, and experience. I can say that Indianut (aka Danny) is someone I would trust implicitly with my motors, or component parts. What separates him from many shops is; (aside from his love of all things motorcycle) his background in tool and die so nothing mechanical can stump him. If he comes to a river, he can build a bridge. There are very few engine builders out there with his background.

[tfburke3]

I aggree with all the good advice,but would offer the following if you want to tackle yourself
Start easy with the teardown.This will give you a sense of the components,and you can asses the visible damage.A motor in relatively good condition will be a much easier build than one with spun bearing housings,etc. Then it should be easier to decide what you think you need to send to out.
"virtual Indian" is another website has lots of good articles in its archives for indian powerplants.
Tom

[indianut]

Thanks for the kind words guys, but I'm just a Grease Monkey with some Machinery. I would love to train a young person to do what I do, there just don't seem to be too many that are interested. I see what these guys are asking, I just don't know how I can type to someone how to Build Engines. Even if you have, or have access to, the Machinery. I had and used most of my Machinery for many years before I began using it to Build Engines. I would suggest that if you are set on doing it yourself that you send the cases and rods and cyls, etc. out and have the Machine work done and do the assembly yourself. It will be a good start. There is just too much to try and learn just to do one engine. What I usually do with someone who wants a hand in their engine is to have the person here for the Tear Down, Inspection, and Inventory of parts needed. Then be here again for the Final Assembly, which happens AFTER the engine has been together and apart several times and EVERYTHING made perfect as possible. The book is a good Guide, but is based on all components being in proper working order. After 60 - 90 years all the little stuff needs to be more fully addressed than the book goes into. Like the fact that the rods are Possibly no longer round at Either end. Or a Cam Bushing has spun. Or the available AM crankpin is too long or too short. Or the valve lifts need rebuilding. Or the valve adjusters need re-surfacing. Or the Distributor needs re-bushing. Or the manifold and carb need the Full Treatment. Or any number of other stuff needs attention. If you want it right. There is simply too much to just give some pointers over the internet. When A Builder builds an engine it has His Fingerprint on it and I would not be comfortable putting my Virtual Fingerprint on an Engine I do not have in my hands.

[c.o.]

I can't believe that there aren't more people knocking on your door to learn Danny. If I lived in your neighborhood, I'd gladly bring my junk over to benefit from your "Grease Monkey with some Machinery" methods. The fact that you are willing to let a guy learn and help says a lot.

[Knotthed]

Indianut,

Can you tell me what you use to measure the I.D. of the case races and rod journals?

I am looking at getting a dial bore gauge with 1 ten thousandths resolution or better for this - do you have any other recommendations?

Also, how about measuring the I.D.'s of cam bushings, etc...?

Wish I was closer to you. I am not looking for your virtual finger print, but if you could share some of those - watch out for's that would be great!

I know what you are saying about there being a lot of stuff to check and evaluate.

I scrapped my stock rods when I found a suspect crack with the mag machine - I was lucky enough to use the machine at work during off hours for a couple of minutes.

[indianut]

Depending on what I am measuring I use Telescoping Snap Gages and a Micrometer, or a Sunnen Bore Gage that reads .0001. With practice and patience you can be as accurate with the Snap Gages!

[tfburke3]

I hve Starett snap gauges and mics,but find it hard to get repeatable readings,and really have never measured rod or case races.With new pins I have them honed to fit until the pin just drops through with the thrust washer and the assembled bearings and cages.
Tom

[indianut]

Well, there you have it. If you do not know how to use the Measuring Tools.......just don't!

[tfburke3]

yes I guess I just dont know how to use them,but I know how to fit a crankpin using the pin and measured bearings to check fit while honing.
have fun
tom