Topic: Minimum temp needed during engine reassembly?

[Alan F.]

I was planning to rebuild my K8 engine over the summer but was called back in to work in June and haven't gotten back to it. So it remains outdoors, under a tarp, protected from the weather. I've got an unheated storage unit that came with the job, last winter I kept a thermometer there and temps never dipped below 38F.

I've got access to power and lights, could bring a heater for my comfort, but will it have any I'll effects to reassemble a 750 engine in such an environment?

[newday777]

Well motors have been rebuilt in freezing weather for years...... So 38 degrees is summer weather in some parts of the world.
So it must be in an old mill building there in Haverhill? My ex father in law worked in a shoe factory building downtown back in the 70s on injection molding machines. He'd bring home barrels of scrap hard maple pieces that burned hot in the wood stove.

[seanbarney41]

That should be fine.  Just be sure and read directions carefully when using chemicals such as gasket cement, sealant, and especially paint.

[seanbarney41]

oh and be aware that changing temperatures can make condensation which can make rust...so be sure to keep fresh engine parts clean and oiled

[scottly]

I find that when it's below 45* in the shop, tools are too cold to get a firm grip on.

[seanbarney41]

I find that when it's below 45* in the shop, tools are too cold to get a firm grip on.

sheesh...if it gets up to 45 degrees in my shop anytime in the next three months, I will be dancin' around in my underwear!

[Alan F.]

So it must be in an old mill building there in Haverhill? My ex father in law worked in a shoe factory building downtown back in the 70s on injection molding machines. He'd bring home barrels of scrap hard maple pieces that burned hot in the wood stove.

There is one storage place like that in town, but I'm in a purpose built concrete and steel, flat roofed storage facility, probably built in te 70s or 80s. Lots of the old buildings have been converted into Lofts but a few are light industrial still.

[Alan F.]

That should be fine.  Just be sure and read directions carefully when using chemicals such as gasket cement, sealant, and especially paint.

Yes, I'll have to do a little reading on that. I'll be using threebond1194 and a few of the products in the leak free top end thread.

I'll run a heater for a while before starting each time around. That should help with condensation, maybe I'll bring a heat gun too.

[Alan F.]

I find that when it's below 45* in the shop, tools are too cold to get a firm grip on.

I'm probably packing tools the night before and keeping them in a warm spot. I'm also thinking of fingerless gloves. Heat gun will help too.

[HondaMan]

I routinely work in 40 degrees this time of year: my garage isn't heated.
The Hondabond between the crankcases takes a couple of days to cure, though.

[Don R]

 Those electric milk house space heaters work great. I got one at a farm store for $30 or so and it heated my 28' enclosed trailer good enough to sleep in.   

[Alan F.]

I routinely work in 40 degrees this time of year: my garage isn't heated.
The Hondabond between the crankcases takes a couple of days to cure, though.

Thanks Mark. I'm hoping for the odd day now and then to get something done there, so there should be plenty of cure time.

Those electric milk house space heaters work great. I got one at a farm store for $30 or so and it heated my 28' enclosed trailer good enough to sleep in.

I think I've found a winner: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/redstone-multi-purpose-fan-forced-heater-2170699?store=1645&cm_mmc=feed-_-GoogleShopping-_-Product-_-2170699&gclid=CjwKCAiAlNf-BRB_EiwA2osbxdoLxJk9GPH2JFTZvnGGaZxe7mHjGlpW1cCDr7ajVf8330yca2pxiRoCVhYQAvD_BwE

[scottly]

How big is the space you're working in, Alan?

[Alan F.]

It's a 10'x10' unit with corrugated steel walls, a 5' wide roll up door and a concrete back wall. The ceiling is about 9' and it's just wire mesh with about 2' of sprinkler pipes and I-beams above. I'm considering sealing it a little better and lower with a thin plastic dropcloth and some duct tape, but I'm doubtful it'd really matter.

[scottly]

I used cheap Harbor Freight tarps and plastic shower curtains to help keep the heat in the area I was working in, and it did seem to help, especially with the 12 foot high ceiling. How much electric power is available? Also, fluorescent shop lights sometimes don't work well when cold, but so far the LED lights I got from Walmart a couple of years ago work regardless of temp.

[Alan F.]

There is one duplex outlet nearby, I'm not sure if it's 15A or 20A. I've got an incandescent bulb in a drop light zip tied to the mesh ceiling, it's been pretty good but I'm sure I can improve on it. Time to start looking for good deals I guess.

[scottly]

The 3200 lumen Walmart shop light cost $17, and only draws 30 watts. 

[ekpent]

 No chance of putting it together on the kitchen table at home ?  Honda parts can make for a lovely decorating scheme !

[Alan F.]

I've picked up 5, 12'x9' plastic drop cloths and a roll of duct tape from Dollar Tree, $6.

I've bid on a used 1500W electric space heater on ebay, if I win it'll arrive at my door for under $15, and I've bought a nice led shop light on eBay for $20

I've got everything else I'd need, with these ebay purchases I'll be set able to set it all up for about $40

[PeWe]

No chance of putting it together on the kitchen table at home ?  Honda parts can make for a lovely decorating scheme !

I did my K6 engine on the kitchen table once.
Perfect to be able to work a little now and then.
It smelled used motoroil all over my small apartment. I lived alone, no problems.
A few overnighting chicks did not mind either.

Recommended!

[754]

Just make sure you don't start kicking out breakers .. took me a few years to get a storage unit with  power.. .

[Alan F.]

I agree. If it's a 20A circuit I should be ok, but if it's 15A circuit it might get iffy. With a 1500w heater and a 40w led shop light I should be ok unless there's another outlet on the same circuit with a load on it that I dont know about....

[754]

That is a prolem at many storage places.
 First off are you allowed to work in there ?
Your own stuff is likely not a problem..   the one I have I can legally do work for hire..,
 The next thing is some people use power a lot and try to hide it or go in noticed..
 ,meaning if they have been using 60 percent capacity  when they are there, then you start using it may easily trip out.
 Anyone leaving a small heater on will use quite a bit.
 How well do you get along with management ? That is a big one .. better ti get a long than to have them think you are screwing them or not following  rules..

[Alan F.]

I've had the same unit for 9 years and a few others on my own dime from time to time. The manager is a nice guy and there won't be any hassles. I won't be leaving the heat on when I'm not there. The place gets pretty quiet when temps drop. I'll try to keep smells and spills to a minimum.

[Don R]

 I'd guess if you can stand it, the engine can too. You might warm up o rings before you give them a stretch if they get below freezing. I get a kick out of the antique bike guys at that Maggy Valley museum warming up hundred year old engines with a hot plate under them.