I have an old Nelson(original case) which has always been a good engine... it hasn't had a new sleeve and piston for at least 100 runs.... likely closer to 150. I did replace the bearings last season. My question is... is there a setup that is good for a high run time engine? I really would like to avoid the $$$ of all new piston/sleeve combos this year for my engines if I could get some decent speed out of my old stuff for one more season. Thanks.

Dan

Lowering the sleeve sometimes give you a renewed pinch at TDC. That is if you still got a shim under it now.

Rather than replace the Piston and Sleeve, my suggestion would be to sell the engine to someone getting into racing as a starter engine. You can sell used Nelsons pretty easily for $150. Take that, plus the $150 it would have cost you for a new piston / sleeve and buy a new engine.

I have been very impressed with my latest two Nelsons. Not sure if it is the minor changes that were made in the carb and crank areas or what, but they sure seem to run better than my older nelsons.

Send the piston & liner back to Henry, and have him fit you a new piston. He'll hone the sleeve and you'll be right back in business (have him change the rod while he's there. I bet that will be under $100 ... ? It's worth the phone call.....

RB

I was afraid of that answer, which I already knew in my heart. I was just hoping someone would have a sleeve shim/head spacing setup to get another few good runs out of a tired engine. I guess I will have to phony up for a couple of new piston/sleeve/head combos.

I was in the same boat, finally coughed up for a new one (OK, two) ... now I'm glad I did. They really have improved.

Also got a Jett BSE that's no slouch, if you were thinking of going that way. Just set it richer on the ground than you're used to with the Nelsons and have faith -- it WILL unload!

Bela Barstock