Hi.

Do you know if the shaft tunnel has an o-ring on the bearing? Looking at the combustion chamber pics,there is definately overheating present. Was there a flame(s) present during the start-up process? The NGV has a white "powder-like" residue on it and thats not normal.

If the shaft was turning freely,then I don`t believe that the o-ring could have been effecting the preload on the bearings. I had the same effect,once where the starter was not able to achieve the required Rpm and it caused the engine to overheat during start-up. When the bendix dissengaged,the fuel ramp was too powerful and was supplying fuel at a too low Rpm.

Assemble the engine,but leave the starter off it. Used compressed air instead,during the start-up phase and be careful not to blow the flame out,by spinning it too fast. This method should prove,whether its a starter,fuel ramp or preload problem.

Give it a go and see what happens.

Regards

Craig