Gday all - well a sad day here as Henry, my every faithful '77 Clubby, finally shat the biscuit. Driving home yesterday afternoon noticed a low down rattle in the motor. Got home and put him out the back and the rattle had become a rumble and then he expired with a wheeze and a knock - knock. Whipped the engine out in 3 parts(head, then block and finally the box - no engine hoist!!!)but knew right away by the smell of the fumes coming from the oil cap before I had even started. Spun the bearings on number 1 rod and now forces me to finally do that restoration I have been putting off for 18 months.
To his credit, he had just ticked over 286,935km on the original engine and the rest of him looks pretty good considering these high miles. Now I have a spare engine to rebuild and keep tucked away for next time. Proves with some TLC these little beasts will last a very long time but thank god he didnt pass away while I was miles from home.
Anyeways I will definitely not be showing on Saturday for the Dyno run but may still come up in the Soob for the day - depends on how depressed I get...lol
Having a beer now in memory of him and toasting his return in a couple of months. Got the paint, new engine is all ready and the new subs are already to go. We can rebuild him.
Here are some pics of the offending bearing
Will post up many more as I progress.
Hooroo