Over the weekend of April 13th and 14th, 2013, more progress was made on the #18.The most significant work was done on the left side valve. After days of lapping, the valve was ready for final assembly. Before that could occur, the valve pressure ring had to be shimmed, so that it was “balanced” properly. These valves are know as American style balanced slide valves. After balancing, the port openings were marked on the valve stem. This information is critical when setting the valves or “timing” the engine.
In addition to the full day spent on that project, Travis Wheeler and Bob Holland re-assembled most of the rebuilt spring rigging. Some of the rigging must remain off until the drivers are back in place. Randy Babcock spent time laying out centers for the “tramming” of the shoes and wedges. This is the process of setting the drivers at 90 deg. to the frame as well as the correct distance apart from one another. This task cannot be fully completed until the driver boxes have been machined and the box widths determined.
The final project on the #18 over the weekend was installing the johnson bar reach rod. This included new pins and bushings.
Other than a minor adjustment on the taper for one pin, all went together well.
In addition to the engine work, the Clampers were in town once again to – along with the CCRW – lay more track at Kearsarge. The beautiful weather made it a fun weekend for all. And finally, a special thank you to Doug Mull for once again catering our fare for the weekend. Some of the best meals in the world can be had in the Owens Valley.
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