The Shakedown

 So, what is a shakedown.  There is a Formula 1 definition, to which I would normally jump, but this seems better suited to BB and I:

• Cruise or flight

  The term shakedown cruise is thought to have originated during the transition from sail to steam power. Early steam engines caused vibrations that could loosen fittings and fixtures on a ship during its maiden voyage. To address this, crews were sent along on these voyages to make repairs, which became known as a "shakedown cruise". Today, a shakedown cruise can also refer to a flight or cruise that prepares a new aircraft or vessel for regular service. This might include getting the crew used to the ship's features, breaking in machinery, and performing other adjustments.

Well, I'm on shakedown drive number 3.  Early results are good in general.  The only problems are a very slow oil leak from a hidden location and a slight, but I hope, disastrous overheat due to the fan fuse blowing.  The oil leak turned out to be coming from the oil pan.  The weirdest thing happened upon oil pan assembly.  I found a hole into which I could not fit a bolt!  Hmmm.  

I've got no idea what's up there.  I can't imagine I broke a bolt off during removal.  When I tap it with a punch though, it feels like steel.  Anyway, I decided to do the remaining bolts and see what happens.  As usual, this approach leads to an oil leak!

Since I have no idea what's in there (maybe I set the iron housing down on a stone?) I decide not to remove the pan and the engine and re-drill and tap.  I decided to make a steel strap to go between the remaining bolts and preload the oil pan.

Here's how it looks.  It will preload the section of the pan normally covered by the missing bolt.  Worked out well on the third shakedown drive.  No leaks so far.

Here it in place.  Maybe that's OK.  However, I still have 2 fairly large bolts with no home.  I wonder where they go?

Anyway, keep having #funwithcars!