controlliner

2024 T3 is an ok alloy but not as good. OS Max series engines used this in their rods. I had a OS Max 15 and the big end of the rod wore out and I was using all castor oil lube in my fuel at the time.

1QwkSport2.5r

The engine is coming today, so I’ll try to get a look at it in the next day or two.

controlliner

It should have about three thou clearance. one point five per side of crank pin.

1QwkSport2.5r

I’ll need to have a rod made before I can even run the engine. The original rod has .005”+ clearance on the big end. I got a big end measurement of .252” and the crankpin measured .247”. I sent the seller a message and am waiting to hear back from them.

fiery

My Feedback: (2)

Many of the last Premier built Merco's were not assembled to the previous high standard of Allen Mercury and Forrest Engineering. That assessment applied to materials, castings and overall workmanship on assembly.

I have concerns about the quality of alloy used in some the last Merco rods. Also, the shape of the rod is different. I was fortunate to have an early Merco .61 rod spare. Merco rods on the .49 and .61's from the mid 60's on and into the seventies are double bronze bushed forgings out of high quality alloy, real works of art.

It was reamed and phosphor-bronze bushed to size to fit my Merco .61 Diesel. The sizing of the eyes is not the same, the late examples are metric, so unfortunately replacement is not a matter of straight exchange in the event play develops in the ends of the rod as supplied.

1QwkSport2.5r

I can see where the lack of quality comes into play here just by looking at the shape of the big end of the rod. The rod does not look like it’s very strong at all. I guess the ultimate question is whether it’s worth fighting for a partial refund and getting a new rod made by someone or just send it back for a full refund and find a different engine made with higher quality parts.

FWIW - the engine is indeed ABC, but very far from the “new” and “exceptional plus” condition tags used in the eBay description. I had higher hopes for this engine, but it seems I may be better off sending it back.

fiery

My Feedback: (2)

It sounds as if the engine was not new.

The rod big end may be worn due to over compressed running by someone who was not familiar with diesel operation. The compression screw locking nut has scuffs from being turned with a spanner.

Unless you really want the engine and have the facilities and skill to sort it, returning it and seeking a refund is probably the best option.

1QwkSport2.5r

I am going to agree. Especially when I paid well in excess of $100 for it. It’s hard to not second guess a seller with a 99.7% positive rating. Go figure. Would it be reasonable to ask for a full refund including return shipping too?

fiery

My Feedback: (2)

I located the box for mine. Here are some photo's. It has never been run apart from a Factory test.

All fits appear good. Oxide finished crank web to resist corrosion. True ABC. Piston is very thin walled with just enough support for the gudgeon pin.

1QwkSport2.5r

The rod in yours looks like the rod in mine. Except yours looks tight fitting.

I’m sending mine back. I don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting a rod made or sourced. Not at
this price point.

erik58

My Feedback: (4)

you can run the engine as is just be careful to not to crank it if it's over primed use be wise if you use a starter it will last along time if you are careful Erik

1QwkSport2.5r

The big end of the rod has too much play. It clicks when turned over. Being the rod is so small on the big end, I’m not gonna leave it to chance. I was already refunded my money and am sending the engine back. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the best option for me for now. I’ll bet anything it will be listed back on eBay within a week of the guy getting it back. It will be interesting if the guy lists the engine’s fault in the new ad.

If I didn’t have infant twin babies right now, I’d have kept it and taken a partial refund and made a new rod for it. But as it is, spare time is virtually nil. I wanted a purpose built Diesel that was ready to run that I could work with right away, not a project engine that needed $50+ in parts and labor to make work. I’ll look for another vintage Diesel that hopefully will be better made and in better condition. I do want to find an .09 Diesel for a 1/2a Norvel trainer I have. I’m going to sell the 10FP that’s in it now and go Diesel with it. I think that’d be fun.

Mr Cox

You can by PAW engines directly from the factory, they are very well priced I think (compared to e.g. an OS engine plus conversion head); Progress Aero Works - Precision Engineering - Home of PAW diesel engines

The PAW .09 comes with a muffler and it runs very well.

1QwkSport2.5r

A friend of mine has a Paw .15 and it runs very nicely. I will certainly consider a PAW. I do want to keep an eye on the secondary market in the mean time. I am not in a rush.

1QwkSport2.5r

It’s for sale again. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F192418928269

Same exact description and pictures as before. Sad that this guy has a 99.8% rating. He’s a lying sack of beans.

qazimoto

My Feedback: (1)

He's a well known control liner who frequents the US C/L forums. I'm sure I've dealt with him before. He's obviously looking to sell it to one of the glass case mob. A clicky rod doesn't matter to them :-)

1QwkSport2.5r

Except it’s listed as new and exceptional condition and it’s neither. Its got external knicks, mount holes drilled oversized, turns screws have been moved and removed many times by the looks of before I took it apart.

I dont care care who he’s aiming to sell it to; he’s a liar in my book. I guess the principle of the matter eats me - especially when that thing is gonna go for $150+ like it did before.

qazimoto

My Feedback: (1)

Fair enough

1QwkSport2.5r

I sent the seller a message - he claims the rod has .002” clearance. He’s full of beans AND hot air. I measured .005” clearance on the big end.

I sent thet engine back and got an MDS .21 marine diesel for $25 and found it to be in much better condition. The carb is a bit weird, but the rod isn’t worn out at least.