OX-5 Cylinder Install

After saying in the last few posts that I was going to install the cylinders, I finally got to it!

My friend Kent McMakin advised me a while back to make sure the intake manifolds are bolted up prior to securing the cylinder bases.  One of my manuals that I reference also  mentions this.  The reason being, the cylinders have a little play between the holes in the bases and the studs.  This allows the cylinders to slightly twist.  If the cylinders were tightened down first, there is risk in cracking the intake manifold.  Once the cylinders are torqued, the intakes can be removed for room to install valve train, etc.

Flattening the intake manifold mounting pads

All pads nicely flattened

 One thing I wanted to check first, were that the mounting pads on the intake manifolds were flat and straight with each other.  I used the bed of my shear which has a nice flat surface.  Using some 180 grit sandpaper, it didn't take long to see the high and low spots, but they were really pretty close.  A little more sanding and all were aligned and flat to each other.

Close-up of flattened pad

Piston installed in cylinder

So now it was time to install the cylinders.  Usually, the pistons are put on the rods and the cylinder slid down over the piston.  Because of my full-floating piston pin, I put the pistons in the cylinders first, leaving the piston pin boss exposed. The whole assembly is then put over the rod and the piston pin slid in. Then, the cylinder is slid down over the studs.  An easier way to do it in my opinion.  Not exactly easier with one person, though, so my friend Mark gave me a hand.

Cylinders 1, 3, 5, and 7 ready for installation

Cylinders bolted down with intake manifold temporarily installed
for alignment

This is such an awesome looking engine with the natural aluminum and nickel plating!  Here are some additional pictures...

I think next I am going to try and close up the lower end, or what the parts catalog calls "the lower half of the crankcase"

Probably won't have another post before the holidays.  Hope everyone has a MERRY CHRISTMAS!