My question is not about a Benz diesel, but I'll bet one of you can help me. I have a 50 HP Perkins diesel engine that is in pieces and needs to be assembled. All the machine shop work has been done. Can any of you recommend a book or other source that will tell me about good assembly techniques, pre-lubes, sealants, start up techniques, etc?

If you have rebuilt engines before you should find no real surprises. If you need a Perkins specific book and can't find it, you might look for an I&T brand manual on a Massey Ferguson 35 tractor. These use a Perkins that should be very similar to a 50HP.

Hope this helps,