Very cool photo of Mercury engine being ported by hand

[Scream And Fly]

I shot this photo back in 2004 at the Balz To The Wall event (http://www.screamandfly.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3049). Who remembers that one? It was an incredible event that took place in Wisconsin, with an auction at the end that raised over $20,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation (http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?64662-Balz-to-the-Wall-2004-Donates-20-931-to-the-Alzheimer%92s-Association). BTTW, as it was abbreviated, was organized by Mike Balz (http://www.screamandfly.com/admincp/index.php), who many know as "Balzy" here.

During this event there was an awesome tour of the Mercury Racing facility, which you can view time images of by clicking here (http://www.screamandfly.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3049).

During that tour, I we were able to observe engines in all stages of construction, which was just so awesome to see. I was able to get this photo of an engine being ported, and I thought you would all find it interesting. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. There are many more photos in the BTTW 2004 gallery.

Greg



Click on image for full size

370906

[rock]

Gonna ask a silly question. What is that thing on top of the block? My guess is for lifting or hanging.

Rock

[olboatman]

Gonna ask a silly question. What is that thing on top of the block? My guess is for lifting or hanging.

Rock

It looks to me like a water valve handle!!!:p But really Rock you may have it correct as a tighting handle to position the block. ;)Gary

[powerabout]

hard to believe its not a cnc mill on the production line?

[transomstand]

Gonna ask a silly question. What is that thing on top of the block? My guess is for lifting or hanging.

Rock

Beer tap...

[Tom Foley]

hard to believe its not a cnc mill on the production line?
Thats actually a small handheld belt sander designed to reach into tight spaces and de burr and smooth .

[Krazymaan]

He's asking about the 4 knobbed gizmo threaded thing screwed into the water jacket.

[powerabout]

no I meant hand work on the production line WTF?
looks what the automotive guys can do with cnc ported heads on 5 axis machines, without any hand finishing

[mercace]

Gonna ask a silly question. What is that thing on top of the block? My guess is for lifting or hanging.

Rock
Its what holds the block on the engine stand. Treaded rod goes up the center of the water passage and out the top of the block. That knob tightens down the rod.
Anyone notice that the sleeves haven't been installed yet?

[rock]

I did notice it had no sleeves and that is close to what I was thinking. So does is that rod the only thing holding it in place?

Rock

[Krazymaan]

I zoomed in and it looks as if there is a 4" diameter pipe on the side that mounts to the motor stand and that knobber jobber thing has a long threaded rod going through it clamping the motor in place like a bench vise. Just my thought

[rock]

I was referring to the plate attached to said pipe. I thought maybe the plate was bolt to the block and the knob only secured it in a specific position.

Rock

[RADER]

I've been doing that for years, that block is before the sleeves are installed.