Engine out - now for a strip and repaintSam finished the engine rebuild and was happy that oil pressure was up to spec so decided to deliver the engine on Saturday 18th December. The weather forecast was not good - snow expected anywhere. Sam called on Saturday morning - blizzard conditions in Banbury so no point in attempting to drive over, but would come over on Sunday. At that time, the weather in Bedfordshire was reasonable - clear sky, but cold.
I had arranged for a couple of strong young men to come over early Saturday morning to move my RSJ into position in the garage. Within minutes it was in place; a few beers changed hands, and I set about securing the RSJ and fixing the block and tackle in place. As I left the garage I could see that the sky to the north had changed to that even greyness that usually precedes snow. Within 2 hours we had 4" of snow and very difficult driving conditions. I couldn't imagine that Sam would get to me on Sunday either. Sure enough, the road conditions on Sunday were awful and so staying in was the most sensible option. Perhaps Monday or Tuesday would offer a better drive?
In the meantime I summoned up some enthusiasm to brave the extremely cold garage and remove the engine. It took no time at all - two straps round the engine; attach to the block and tackle; lift and move forward. The engine slipped easily off the drive shaft and was lowered to the floor. How easy was that?
As I wanted to change the red paint that covers the chassis and upper body I had started to strip the paint on the chassis. This was more difficult with the engine in place, but easy once the engine bay was clear. Out with the Nitromors and that rather iterative process of dob, dob, scrape, scrape. By mid afternoon I was out of Nitromors (and enthusiasm) as the cold was beginning to make itself felt.
A trip to the builders merchant for a Nitromors top up tomorrow will see me ready to continue the process but I am wishing for warmer weather.
Roger
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