Test Run #4

Got a proper lid for the 30 gal steel drum water tank, lowered the hot water intake about 4 inches and rechecked all bolts and lag screws for tightness. Also put some paint on the wood cart and frame (Rustoleum Flat Black), and the steel drum (Rustoleum Regal Red). Ran the engine about 3.5 hours this time and I am finding without a load it takes about an hour to warm up sufficiently to "settle down". Practiced starting the engine...much easier to do when it's warmed up. Tappets are rotating OK, engine runs smoothly when warm and the exhaust is absolutely clean (no smoke or oil) so I think the valves and injector are timed OK.

Fuel leak at the tank is still bugging me but it's tolerable now and as long as I don't top off the tank after a run it's manageable. Will deal with that next time I take the engine apart.

Now to find a device to load this engine with. I'm considering a generator of about 5 kw, but I'll check with the folks at Rough and Tumble in Kinzers, PA and see if they have any machine requiring a 6 hp engine.