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Steve - Do you still have some glow plug drivers? If so, tell me how much they will cost, and how you would like to be paid. Bob Grant Salt Lake City, UT

This is the first time that I've made a camshaft, but since the whole process went smoother and faster than I had expected, I'm wondering if I did something wrong, or skipped a couple of steps!;) Actually, the offset fixture made it pretty easy, and it was only mildly tedious to remove it from...

Next up were the connecting rods. I started with two blanks. Mounted between centers, I turned the profiles on the lathe. I rounded the little ends with a rotary table on the mill. Here I'm parting off the split bearing for the big end. Here are both finished...

It has been about six months since I set this project aside for the sake of travel and other fun diversions. I had a fabulous time in New Zealand, followed with trips to Death Valley, the Sierras, and the ancient native American ruins in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. It's time to get back to...

Roboguy - The "MLA Diesel" uses a connecting rod that has some similarities with the one you are making. I built my "MLA Diesel" with the help of a milling machine and rotary table, but the instructions that came with the kit tell how to make everything on a lathe. I sent an email to Andy...

Great project idea! I am eagerly watching your progress. Bob

Roboguy - You are making good progress. I'm enjoying following along. Bob

mike-au - I prefer your solution to retaining the wrist pins! That's a tiny circlip, and a tiny groove! At this point, I'd fear scrapping the part if I tried to replicate it, so I'm going to stay with what I have. I'm leaving for NZ vacation soon, and by the time I return my garage will...

I've begun to make the pistons for the Silver Bullet. Drawing SB-4 gives three different dimensions for the depth of the piston rings. Take your pick! The Ring/Groove Data box in the upper right gives a groove depth of .040". The drawing beneath it says "Cut grooves .043 W x .049 D". This...

Roboguy - Good start! First engines always present quite a few problems. Your photos give a good sense of how you are solving them. Bob Salt Lake City

Yeah, the forces will be pretty high, and I can see now how they would conspire against you. That is a clever concept, however, and might have been a problem solver. Congratulations to you for taking it this far along and testing it. I think part of the appeal of this hobby is the learning...

I pressed the cylinder liners into the block of the Silver Bullet. The instructions called for heating the block and then inserting the liners, but with hopes of avoiding any water leaks into the combustion chamber or oil pan I pressed them in cold with a slight interference fit and a light...

Great project! That truly is a HOOT! I had fun making my Mate, and will be watching as this proceeds. Drawings or sketches would be most welcome. 13th diesel! I'm impressed! Bob Salt Lake City

Thanks, michael-au, for your reply and mentioning the advantage of placing the port on the side. I made the cylinder liners today. The puzzle solving aspect of this hobby is what offers some of the biggest rewards, but it also felt nice to make a part that offered no frustration. Bob

I forgot to mention another puzzle with my drawing set. In the top right corner of Drawing No. SB-2, it says "Drill .250 for pressure regulator". The written instructions say "Drill and tap the pressure regulator hole 1/4"-28." The pressure regulator does indeed require a 1/4"-28 thread...

I've made what I hope is progress with the Silver Bullet block and oil pan. First I'll show the photos, and then ask a question for those who have already built this engine. Question - The Drawing SB-3 dated (4/15/00) shows the block's cooling water port placed on the side of the...

James - Welcome to HMEM! I was visiting the site this evening to add to my thread about building the Silver Bullet when I saw your posting, which lead me into a pleasant diversion about diesels and NZ. I've built two model airplane diesel engines, and I agree with the comments that...

Michael - Thanks for your time to answer my question and take photos. It will be a few days before I can get back in the shop, however. Bob

I made some more progress on the Silver Bullet today. I followed the suggestion from michael-au and milled out more between the posts to allow clearance around the valve guides. And milled the coolant slots. Then shaped the posts and milled the shallow counterbore for the...

michael-au - Thanks for your suggestion about milling between the posts. I have been out of town on a 5-day canoe trip, and I had to look at your photo several times until I got my brain back in gear and actually saw what you were referring to. It looks like a nice subtle touch. I also...