I too have had a new rebuilt engine seize on me and it was due to a tight pin in the piston. This engine turned easy on the handle and started only to seize on becoming warm. I put this down to expansion of the pin on becoming hot as the engine warmed. When stripped down I had to break the piston to remove the pin (piston shot anyway). I made sure the new piston was really free on the pin by using clean oil and diesel to free things up before re assembly. It has now been running now for months without a problem.

John Mason

Location: Nottinghamshire

A quick update.
The engine went back together without hitch, and took it for a run of about 15 miles without any problems.
Hopefully that is the end of my troubles.
Many thanks for your help.
Adrian.

Location: The New Forest

Well done Adrian - I hope everything is trouble free from now on!

John you must be in thanet, I live in hoath,you interested in sorting my ruby engine out ?

Location: canterbury kent

Andrew I have sent you an "E"Mail.
J

Location: As far east in Kent as you can get

Thanks John , have replied to your mail, andrew

Location: canterbury kent

hi adrian,

did you find out what caused the problem.

tony

Location: huncote on the pig

Not really Tony, the new gudgeon pin and piston were a good sliding fit and the conrod was straight and true. I can only assume either I assembled it dry or I mixed the pins up if they are supplied as a pair. I guess it could have been a bad part, we will never know.
Thanks again for your input.
Adrian.

Location: The New Forest

Did you by any chance fit the circlips as well as the clamping bolt.
If you did this MAY be the source of your problem.

Location: Bristol

Hello Ian
No, I didn't fit the circlips. Your mind plays strange tricks when you try and think back. I vaguely remember one of the pins was a little stiffer to insert through the conrod than the others. It could be possible that it pushed up a slight burr on the pin or pushed a sliver of metal into the piston bore. A little more care on assembly probably the order of the day.
Adrian.

Location: The New Forest