Webster Engine Build: Piston Questions

[Danuzzo]

Been working on Sheet 5 of the Webster. Got the flywheel, crank (still needs some sanding), crankshaft, crankpin (not finalized yet), and bronze main bearings, pretty much done. Photos below of current state of build. Now on to Sheet 6, the piston and oil tube. In my other threads on this first I.C. engine build, I asked questions on different aspects, and I will continue to do so rather than one build thread that would go on forever with all the questions I have had. I do very much appreciate all the help I have received.

Edit: Decided to go with my original plan of a cast iron piston fit to size in the steel cylinder. Before the edit, I was asking about alternative to a direct fitting piston. Actually, what kind of fit would be best for a cast iron piston to a steel cylinder?

 

[minh-thanh]

what kind of fit would be best for a cast iron piston to a steel cylinder?

If it were me I would choose 0.03 --> 0.04 mm

 

[Jasonb]

I'd lap it and feel the fit as it would be too small a difference to measure with the average home equipment.

 

[Danuzzo]

In one of my previous threads on cylinder lapping, I learned quite a bit about internal lapping thanks to all who responded. Now it is on to another adventure in learning to make an external lap tool. Learning a great deal with this engine build.

 

[BaronJ]

Hi Danuzzo,

There used to be an American company making "Clamp Style" lapping tools. I don't know if they are still about since non of the search engines find anything. Somewhere I have some drawings for the tools that they made.

However they tend to be for relatively fixed sizes (diameters) so realistically I would make my own to suit the diameter that I wanted. Plus it would be cheaper when it comes to changing grits.

Quite some time ago I made a crude lap using a hinge and some softwood drilled and split with abrasive chrome polish to lap a bearing. It did the job at virtually no cost.