My Junior machinist project

**RknRusty** Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:58 pm

I'm finishing the two matching engines for the Lil Bats, and only had one 3-fin Merlin glow head. The only spares not in use were the 5-fin Texaco heads like the one in the first picture. But that type head clamp covers up so much of the glow plug that I can't use a clip-on igniter.
My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_001_zpsfwr28ivr

My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_001_zpsfwr28ivr

So I set out to modify the Texaco head. To remove the two top fins, I chucked it in the drill press and used a file. That cylinder is a completely ruined parts box piece that I couldn't throw away, now I know why.
My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_003_zpsdndomcus

My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_003_zpsdndomcus

After removing the fins, I still had to bore out the center hole because it was still covering up the plug. I screwed it into a hole in a block for drilling
My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_004_zpswakjx8vl

My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_004_zpswakjx8vl

And here it is
My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_006_zps6q3czcui

After cleaning up the rough edges I had to shorten the top where the fins had been and use the dremel to deepen the wrench slots. I bounced some metal chunks off the lenses of my safety glasses. Now you can hardly tell the difference. And I didn't even get hurt or botch it up! I'm a Junior machinist. Clapping

My Junior machinist project WP_20150710_007_zpscbr9yzza

cox24711 Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:15 pm

well done nice thinking !
i would of made a glow plug clip that will fit the 5 fin head b ut you did it the other way

**RknRusty** Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:28 pm

cox24711 wrote:well done nice thinking !
i would of made a glow plug clip that will fit the 5 fin head b ut you did it the other way

Thanks. I have a pair of D cells on a heavy duty 4' cord, but I like the igniter I can carry in my pocket. And I just wanted to do it anyway. I bought the 5-fin heads because I thought they looked cool at the time, but they are of no real advantage for me, so I decided to hack one up. It worked out pretty well.
Rusty

KariFS Sat Jul 11, 2015 5:35 am

I knew I kept those beat-up cylinders and the worn-out crankcase for a purpose. Just didn't know the purpose until now Very Happy

They will make perfect jigs for many things. I already used the piston of a beat-up cylinder to make a honing tool, was going to use the cylinder for practising how to fix or reduce the size of cooling fins (still may do that), but I am definitely going to keep a couple of "useless" cylinders handy.

I am a sort of Junior machinist too. I've got are a drill press, a mounting stand for a regular drill, a grinder and a dremel with some attachments. Would love to have a small lathe and a mill, just haven't been able to justify the cost, so much other stuff to do first.

roddie Sat Jul 11, 2015 6:57 am

Good work Rusty! Thumbs Up

Another good reason to remove those fins.. is that the engine having that head (I would guess..) would be detuned from the engine with the 3-fin head. High nitro fuel also has cooling properties (right?) and is generally not used for Texaco. Was there a Texaco "insert" plug for use with them? I wouldn't use that either. I don't know for sure.. but the concavity of a Texaco head could be such; as to lower compression for increasing endurance/fuel economy. (just something to think about)

My use for a "Utility" cylinder recently.. was for buffing glow-heads. I used a wooden dowel inside the bore for a handle.. taped around the joint a few wraps.. and had at it with a buffing wheel in my bench grinder. They shine-up like chrome!

rogermharris Sat Jul 11, 2015 8:47 am

looking good rusty!

i often used my vertical lathe for these types of applications. can't wait to see how it goes!

getback Sat Jul 11, 2015 10:33 am

Good job Rust man I got one of those for some stupid reason , I was thinking that more fins more cooling area but wrong with 35 % Is it so I hear the nelson plugs produce more Rs than the 1702 I know the 1702 will over the drop in from cox Inter. 4th of July Flag

**Cribbs74** Sat Jul 11, 2015 1:59 pm

Great work Rusty, I can't tell the difference between the two.

**RknRusty** Sat Jul 11, 2015 3:37 pm

getback wrote:Good job Rust man I got one of those for some stupid reason , I was thinking that more fins more cooling area but wrong with 35 % Is it so I hear the nelson plugs produce more Rs than the 1702 I know the 1702 will over the drop in from cox Inter.

Eric, you hear all kinds of stuff. These Merlins that Bernie sells are super high compression and run great for me. They're all I use. Anywhere from 3-5 copper gaskets, more in the cold and my nitro never changes much. And they fit both brands of engines I mostly use.

Roddie I don't have any Texaco plugs, just the regular medium hots.

Kari it sounds like you and I are similarly equipped with just enough to get by.

Thanks Ron, I love it when something turns out looking professional... in a photo lol!

.

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