jeff2wings Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 Got these last year so before I start my next balsa butchery project it's repair time ! dart in need of anew crankshaft, conrod, prop driver, backplate Elfin in need of a new conrod and wrist pin ED racer in need of new bearings, resized piston (low compression) stripped thread repair repaint case modify crankshaft So this afternoon made a new conrod and wrist pin for the Elfin classic dogbone made from T6 end journals roughed out and finished with a file, wrist pin made from silver steel new rod with old one and pin all ready for a test run 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff2wings Posted January 28, 2023 Author Share Posted January 28, 2023 While I'm saving up for the bearings for the racer started on the dart,this will be more of a custom built rather than a restoration due to missing/damaged parts Roughing out the crankshaft blank ready for machining the crankpin New backplate mounting As can be seen the mounting lugs are damaged so I will probably remove them 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brokenenglish Posted January 28, 2023 Share Posted January 28, 2023 Jeff, Just my humble opinion. The work looks great, but the Racer case would be much better left natural magnesium, rather than painted (yuk!). I have several newish originals, and most are losing their original black coating to varying degrees. Personally, I much prefer an "original" look to a restored and repainted look... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff2wings Posted January 28, 2023 Author Share Posted January 28, 2023 (edited) Hope this doesn't upset you too much....... This will most likely go in a bluepants or KK scout team racer sonot to much poking out I'm not sure but I think the black coating was a kind of anodising that protects the magnesium case from corrosion, a common problem with ED's and Mills best thing is to keep the outside oiled (by running them!) think I may remake the backplate with a tank in the style of Cox bee Edited January 28, 2023 by jeff2wings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brokenenglish Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 OK Jeff, the black paint isn't as bad as I feared, and I agree that the best protection is to keep them oily. Interesting that you have a Mk I head on the other Mk II engine. Not many of those heads around (i.e. not many Mk I engines). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 Hi Jeff the black coating was I believe a chromate treatment to prevent corrosion. I have restored some old Mills in the past and as Chromate wasn't an option I found that a thorough clean and degreasing followed by a thin coat of matt black sprayed on . Then a good soak in some oil gave a good rendition of the riginal finish that has lasted well with no signs if the white powder corrosion re occurring. The Racer case look fine to me. A wipe over with an oily rag and it will pass muster😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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