Crank Journal Polishing

[QuinnF]

I just received an Indian-built Listeroid, a copy of the single cylinder Lister 6 HP diesel built from the '30s until 1987 or so. Am tearing it apart and going through it with the intent of putting everything that is wrong with it right.

I need to polish the crank journal. It's pretty rough in my opinion gained from experience rebuilding engines from cars and motorcycles. However maybe 6 HP at 650 rpm doesn't require the journal to have the mirror finish that I'm used to seeing on modern high-RPM engines.

I'd like some advice on how one goes about polishing that journal the right way.

Thanks,

Quinn

[Craig A]

When we were rebuilding a 22-45 Aultman Taylor which came in pieces from Canada, the crankshaft was QUITE rusted! After getting the chunks off it checked out good so we then put it a lathe and hung weighted strips of very fine emory cloth around the journals and just let it turn. Worked like a dream! If it was a GAS engine you'd have more leeway on the journal finish but I think on a Diesel it should be as good as you can get it. A crocus cloth (or even a leather belt) finish, will give you a polish as good as a grind.

[twidget]

I've got a Prakash 6/1 Listeroid that I just put into service. I found the same thing when I tore my down. I found a lot of good information on utterpower.com.
George there sells a lister info CD for $20 that I found was well worth the price IMHO. I polished mine using 600 to 1800 grit paper soaked in Kerosine. I finished it up with a bit of Simicrome on a strip of rag. Like I said I just put this in service ,only run about 10 hours so for but seems OK.
Take a close look at the rod big end bearing mine was impregnated with sand and metal. also make shure you get ALL the casting sand out of the block.
Glad to talk with someone else playing with a listeroid.

Just my 2 Cents
Twidget

[QuinnF]

Craig and Twidget,

Thanks for your replies. This is new to me.
This engine is an Ashwamegh that I purchased from George at Utterpower.com after getting his CD and perusing the site for about 9 months. Wanted something to work on and to use to teach my son about how engines work, which way to turn a bolt, etc. I learned that doing motorcycles when I was a kid, but there's something about the smell of a diesel . . .

I'll probably hang an alternator off it when I'm finished but I'm not that far along yet. Still relishing the thrill of playing with my new toy . ..

Quinn