1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

step wear and lapping

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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 02:05 PM
  #1  
Jeff20B's Avatar
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Lapping = Fapping
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step wear and lapping

If you have a feeler guage or dial indicator, measure the step wear. If they are worn beyond spec, junk them. Don't believe the hype about having them resurfaced because A: it is often difficult to get the grind just right on intermediate plate resulting in a crooked engine when assembled (uneven wear and other problems result) and B: if you don't re-harden/re-nitride the surface, it will cause fast catastrophic wear of the side seals and oil seals due to increased sliding friction of the soft iron underneath and of course accelerated wear of the irons leading to a quick 'death' of the engine requiring a full rebuild far sooner than expected. It generates repeat business for shops so that's why they push it.

That's just my opinion; I've never had any irons resurfaced and I see no need. I toss them if they're too worn or water damaged. Better yet, recycle them at a metal recycling place that takes iron.

Older non-nitrided plates fom the '70s are harder iron throughout and can handle surfacing a few times before they get short.
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 05:36 PM
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boyee's Avatar
keep it original!!
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and here's a nice video made by pineapple racing and rebuildingrotaryengines to go along with what you said
http://www.rebuildingrotaryengines.c...ousings_Plates
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 05:42 PM
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Good public service announcement.
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 11:20 AM
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i agree. i'm prepping for my first rebuild and any info is good info!
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