Hull 113, aka WILSON, rebuild update

[bob mitchell]

         Engine block hunting turned about to be more of a challenge than expected. After the decision was made to go back to the original Ford Osco Diesel 172 (1967) instead of the Ford Osco Diesel 192 (cylinder walls were gone) that had been put in in 1977 - because the 192 was a 172 block, which in my opinion, was overbored, I started with a 172 block from Russel Tractor parts in Scottsboro, Alabama, for $500.  However, it was not tapped for an engine balancer. But my diesel guru Jerry of Diesel Fuel Systems, in Henegar, Alabama, up on Sand Mountain, told me of Mid South Salvage in Decatur, Alabama. My injectors, that Jerry is redoing, are ready.

I went down to Mid South and talked to Bobby, and found an unbored (3.9 in) 172 that I got for $325. Allen, my rebuilder machinist of Arrow Engine Machine in Chattanooga, said it was the best block yet. I also picked up 2 rods, hoping one would be good, to replace the one that had "spun a bearing" and was beat out of round.. I thought there were only two sizes (for the piston wrist pin) but there were four or five, so I had to mail them back today for exchange for a 1.25" wrist pin size. All the other parts are in and things are going well. They glass beaded the block and it looks great. The head is finished as well

           Tomorrow steve george and I are going to epoxy in the first three layers of apron on the final run. I have spent several days setting this operation up, including replacing a significant atack of deadwood. Clyde has been really helpful in his discussions of cutless bearing, etc. Here are a few pictures of the dry fitting of these three layers.It is important to remember that the apron angle becomes very shallow towards the stern. I have documentation and photos on producing that angle I will post at a latter date.

    April 23, 2011: a Couple of days ago steve and I got the first  two layers bedded and epoxied., Spent today planing out the final apron glue sequence. Found that the floors have settled independent of the inner clamp and other supports, so tomorrow will jack them up a little, and level them as well, because I am going to use them as the form to clamp the new apron to while the glue drys,   ... and I defiinitely do not want them under incorrect pressure. Essentially I am prestressing the apron so it can take the load.