Because of the end float on the crank and some "up and down" on the timing side bush, I bit the bullet and stripped the engine today - before any damage occurred.
Its mostly good, the top end has obviously been rebuilt by the previous owner, the bores are on +020, the pistons and rings are good, although I will fit new rings at the rebuild, he's even had the barrels and head powder coated.
The cause of the end float was that there were only two very thin shims fitted and they were worn and blue but there were no fragments of any other shims in the sump. I expected to see a lipped roller bearing on the drive side but found a standard ball bearing effort which can't be right on 62 engine. There is slight evidence of the inner race having been turning on the crank, but its not really loose so a bit of locktite should sort that. The splines are quite worn so I will get T&L to repair them when they do the timing side bush.
Questions, my pistons are solid skirted, not split skirted are they right for the year? Am I right in thinking it should have a Lipped roller bearing, does anyone know where I can get a set of +020 rings? also, what is the maximum gap between the pistons and bore before slap occurs?
Cheers