Thread: Introducing Hedley

Originally Posted by Johnno1969

I pretty much fell for Hedley at the first notes from the Dambusters. Looks brilliant, mate.

Mind you, I didn't think you looked much like Guy Gibson, but maybe it was just the light.

I don't look anything like Guy Gibson, John. And I would have been mightily intimidated in his presence, I think. Maybe I look just a tiny bit like Dave Shannon (617 'L' for 'Leather')?

Anyway, a BIG day for us today and a good one. With some help, we successfully lifted out 2 engines.

Hedley's 2.25 petrol donk is now safely on its cradle, ready to be stripped down and refreshed. Oliver's 2.25 is out too. Poor old Oliver has become a donor and has offered to help in any way he can. His engine was hopelessly seized when i got him, but there may be some useful components that he no longer needs. Otherwise, maybe in the future, there may still be some hope for him.

I know we are at least looking at rings and gaskets for Hedley's engine at this stage. Can't wait to get to work on it. And, once again, this is something I have never attempted before, so it is all very exciting.

Sorry the pics are such poor quality.

Garry

Originally Posted by garrywlh

I don't look anything like Guy Gibson, John. And I would have been mightily intimidated in his presence, I think. Maybe I look just a tiny bit like Dave Shannon (617 'L' for 'Leather')?

Garry

Hey Garry,

Yes, I get the feeling that Gibson was rather a strong character. I am going to have to check on the Dave Shannon resemblance. By the way, I'm reading a history of the Lanc at present. Really interesting stuff.

It looks like progress is galloping along there in your shed. I must admit to considerable shed-envy upon seeing those photos.

Looking forward to watching Hedley's progress.

John

A little more progress this weekend, doing what you have to do before doing what you need to do before doing what you want to do.
I am stripping down Hedley's engine. As I have never done something like this before, I am afraid of losing something or not knowing how to put it back properly, so I am taking copious photos along the way and keeping everything together as logically as possible. I find sometimes the Haynes is more helpful, sometimes the LR Operations Manual. For instance, the Haynes has that great tip about putting the rocker cover on upside down to prevent the rocker assembly from flying apart when lifting it out.
I cleared out 2 shelves in the workshop and cleared enough space to leave a complete shelf clean and clear for engine components as they come off.
Pistons are very carbonised (is that the word?) so I'll be getting my mobile mechanic to come and check out whether the cylinders need attention or whether it is just the rings.
Having a great time with the kids helping at each step of the way. Do you remember that magic moment when as a kid you first saw how cleverly the linear motion of pistons is converted to rotational motion at the crankshaft? I heard suitably admiring sounds from them as I turned the crankshaft by hand and showed them the action of pistons going up and down. A nice 'family moment'.

Dear Dopey, LOL you ain't the first and won't be the last LOL LOL cheers and keep plugging away at it, Dennis
ps this DOPE didn't see that the post was dated 15th Sept either

a little more progress today.

1. Good news about Hedley's engine. A friend who knows a LOT more about engines than I do cast his eye over the engine bits and pieces today and was pretty happy with what he saw. No crud, for example in the oil pump filter or sump oil, and little wear in the cylinders or crankshaft. I am ordering new piston rings, gasket kit and cup plugs. When they come, we'll get together and refurbish the pistons and cylinders; clear out the galleries and get everything cleaned and reassembled. We have decided not to risk messing with the rear main bearing oil seal. Is this a mistake while the engine is out? 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'?
2. I have made a start on refurbishing the bulkhead that Oliver, the donor, has kindly offered up, as Hedley's bulkhead is very badly corroded. I will need to get new footwells and rubber. When it is fully stripped, I will investigate getting it sand-blasted before priming it and putting it aside while we continue with engine rebuild and chassis deconstruction. If that is too expensive, it will be out with the grinder and sanding wheel!
Off now to cook dinner for the family.
cheerio,
Garry
ps. the first pic is the bulkhead I am planning to use. The next 2 show some of the great holes in Hedley's bulkhead.

Originally Posted by garrywlh

a little more progress today.

We have decided not to risk messing with the rear main bearing oil seal. Is this a mistake while the engine is out? 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'?

If it isn't leaking and you don't actually have to remove it to do any work.... back away slowly without making any loud noises.

Thanks John. Good advice. I'll stay down-wind and be very, vewy quiet.

Ah, memories of the past when I started on Ralph. Good to see you have found the time to get stuck into Hedley, Garry. Looking forward to seeing someone else doing it . I don't think I will be allowed to do another project for a while. SWMBO told me the other day she is only letting me spend so much time on Ralph because she can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I said, go make my lunch woman!
Cheers Ian