Like the progress. I did my engine during the C-19 issue. Had everything vapour blasted. Did not paint, but used CERAKOTE MC5100 as a protectant on everything that I could. Cleans up with a damp rag. Specifically formulated for all aluminum finishes, including vapour blasted surfaces, but works just as well on painted surfaces - no affiliation, just like the product. This is an air cure product, no heat required. Can be brushed or sprayed on. It's a nasty product, wear a mask. Caveat - once applied nothing sticks to it unless you roughen the area up a bit. Company mentioned in an email that most of its MC products would work well.
To paint the engine just have to have media/sand blasting. If you vapour blast, won't be able to paint - surface too smooth for paint to adhere. Would have to rough up the surface defeating the purpose of vapour blasting.
If you are having problems sourcing new rings, 2002 Chevy Tracker 1.6 litre rings work a treat. Have these installed in my 1200. I got mine from Rockauto, but no piston rings show up on its web site for this engine anymore. These rings sets come in standard of 75mm, or 0.5mm over, and 1.0mm over. I used 1.0 mm over and adjusted the end gap to suit.
I used this ring set in my 1200 because when I had the machine shop hone the cylinders, check the con rods for straight, and install the new generic rings, the machinist mentioned he did not like the rings. His instinct(s) were spot on. First and subsequent starts, blue smoke every time. Took engine apart, fitted these new rings, made by Hastings, and smoke issue went away - happy camper I was after this. Compression all round at approximately 160ish.
Had an issue with the engine shifting after first time back together. Wouldn't shift out of first. Took engine apart, no issues. When I put it back together, made sure it shifted at every step, especially after joining the cases. Just a thought.
There are two support bearings inside the cases. One for the alternator shaft, and the other for the output shaft. Make sure these are in good shape. Mine were seized:
Easy to replace at this stage when you have the cases apart.
I used Honda Bond 4 for the mating surfaces, good stuff - no leaks:
Followed the instructions in the OEM service manual ragarding the rear case - it recommends only doing a part of the gasket. Had an oil leak because of this. Took engine out, removed case and used Honda Bond 4 on the entire gasket surface, no leak.
Just a few thoughts for consideration.
Cheers
