Re-Assembling Clamshell Engines?

[SteveSr]

Well, my experience is counter to that. When I take out a clamshell that I have put together or a factory assembly it is often difficult to pry it apart. But I have not used that sealant, and maybe it is a weak adhesive.

I may have misjudged what was actually happening. I did see the clamshell gap open up by about .010-.015" when I removed the screws. However, it may not have actually broken the seal on the clamshell. Dirko, being an RTV, may have actually flexed enough to still stay glued to both surfaces. The clamshell also did not leak when reinstalled into the main housing.

The castings those caps are made of is far more brittle than it is flexible. I suspect it is the rubber seals that is pushing it apart - make sure they are properly in the groove.

The seals were in their respective groves. The outer circumference of the seals were also rubberized, I am assuming, to allow them to compress. If you think about it the bearings *HAVE* to be the only item limiting the assembly of the clamshell. If they were not tight then it would allow the bearing to spin in the housing. I am pretty sure it was designed this way on purpose.

This project seems to be much more problematic than it should be.

What's the saying... I for a penny, In for a pound!