Santa's Workshop

This will be a good engine.  It's like I've been to the H-D School of Hard Knocks on this one.  The flywheels were fighting us.  We got them right - then they didn't like it in their new home inside the cases.  Then the gear cover syndrome.  Then we learn about center-to-center distance - and the ability to identify sounds such as; whirring, clicking, ticking, oftentimes grinding . . . as you grasp the open ends of the connecting rods and listen.  Turn off the music, turn off the TV, turn off everything and LISTEN.  What is that?  Listen to the "mechanicalness" of a panhead motor. I went as far as to bolt on the generator (and it's a good thing I did) because it needed the right idler gear.  Eliminate parts and measure other parts . . . Finally after shimming, micrometers, calipers, dial-indicators . . . and this powerful, lighted magnifying glass - it's quiet now.  Even with the generator - It's quieter than the elves sneaking into your house on Xmas Eve.  All you here now is the perfect mesh and pitch of proper alignment.  Gears that love each other.  It spins free - and wants to keep spinningIt's right now.  I feel like a worker elf, perfecting a toy for a kid who's been good all year.  That kid is me . . .

2 comments:

pat said...

Good work Noot. Xmas party is this Saturday. If the elf needs a little break from the panheads!?

Wheelman said...

Spiritual Man.