RPE Engine Refresh #11

Fitted the pistons back to the bottom end. Fitted piston no.1 at the end next to the stator end, then in sequence to no.4, next to the cam chain. Lubricated the con rod bearing and piston pin with assembly lube. Pushed the pin in place on each piston and then fitted the circlips, made sure that they were all secure.

Fitted a new Cometic base gasket to the clean surfaces. Lubricated the piston rings, piston sides and bores with engine oil. Checked the rings were in position before fitting the barrel.

Moved the crank so that the middle two pistons 2&3 were in the extended position and fitted the barrel. Tilted the pistons forward so that the front edge was in the bottom of the bore, then carefully using a small screwdriver I eased the rings in to position and the barrel slid in to place.

For the outer two pistons 1&4 I followed the same procedure, by tilting for the pistons forward and then easing the rings in to position.

Once the barrel was in place, I rotated the crank to check movement and all was fine. Next I found TDC buy moving the crank and then feeling the piston no.1 against the top of the barrel. I then marked the rotor wheel and the engine casing. This will come in useful when I set up the cam timing later.