Johnson 9.5 Motor Rebuild

[mdebar1]

Going to rebuild my motor this weekend. I bought a new block, pistons, and rings. I am going to replace the crankshaft oil seals as well. I know not to put gasket seal on the head gasket, that the crankshaft case uses gel-seal, and that I should use vaseline to put the needle bearings back on. The cylinders were recently honed so I plan to use brake cleaner to clean the engine and cylinders and I will use Automatic transmission fluid and lint-free towels to wipe out the cylinders and remove grit once clean. I also plan to use dish washing liquid to wash the needle bearings. I do not plan to put sealant around the crankshaft oil seals.

Is there anything I'm doing wrong or forgetting? Any tips / tricks before I begin? There are 3 piston rings (and I can't discern a difference in appearance between the three) - do they need to be installed in any particular order or manner (besides making sure the black stud is in the middle of the ring gap)?

 

[mdebar1]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Motor Rebuild

Any ideas?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Motor Rebuild

Sounds like you've done some homework. That's a great motor you've got. Being all new like that, it'll last for a good long time. Pay attention to your break-in period. Mix the fuel richer (25:1) for the first tank or two. Run her slow for the first hour or so.

 

[mdebar1]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Motor Rebuild

Thanks for the help.

Any comments on whether liquid soap is ok to use on needle bearings to clean any grit I may have gotten on them? Any comment on whether the brake cleaner shouldn't be used on the block? What about the rings? I'm assuming that it is correct not to put sealant around the cranshaft seals?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Motor Rebuild

You can use soapy water to wash the whole thing. Just be sure to wipe it all down with a clean, oily cloth after you wash it. Can't help you much with your ring question. Just be sure not to line up the joints, but I don't think you could do that anyway. The crankshaft seals shouldn't need anything, just make sure all surfaces are clean.