mr 97 SL320: Thank you for your reply.
You're right I may have to take it all apart. I hesitate to do this because
1) I only paid $200 dollars for this engine
2) My expertise is pretty damn limited. Just about everything I've done to this engine is the first time for me. It's been pretty fun but quite a challenge.


When I got it, the timing belt was off and injection pump was in a box. I had a hell of a time getting the IP timing done.


Even with my limited experience I think the pistons were done correctly. The cylinder walls were cross hatched after honing, the pistons were brand new. All the bearings replaced. I think who ever had the engine just didn't finish it or was interupted. I guess I should have checked the torque then but Who knows where to check/start on something like this.


When I fixed the connecting rod bearing , I noticed everything still looks super clean in there.


Very interesting about loading the engine. I figured you'd want to run it with no load when you break it in. I didn't realize it needed load to get the pistons to expand.


I've got it on blocks in the driveway with no cooling attached. just a bare engine!


I didn't put it into a car because I wasn't confident enough to install it.


Boy -wish I could show you it! Thanks