21.95mm.
Leave a 0.05mm gap for the oil film.
Perfect.
Su Wei opened the vise; the connecting rod, which had just been processed, was scalding hot.
Next is the weight.
Ford's connecting rods are too heavy.
You must lose weight.
While it's impossible to achieve perfect consistency, at least the excess counterweights should be removed.
Another half hour of polishing.
[ Mechanical Repair Experience +50]
[Current Level: Mechanical Repair LV2 (185/300)]
This highly complex manual modification caused his experience bar to jump significantly.
Su Wei cleaned the processed connecting rod in kerosene.
The bright silver metallic surface, with its fine texture left by hand polishing, has a more refined feel than industrial polishing.
Begin assembly.
This is the most crucial step.
He returned to the ripped-up snowmobile.
Insert the connecting rod big end into the crankshaft open position.
In addition, there are homemade brass bearings.
Apply red high-strength threadlocker.
Tighten the connecting rod bolts.
This step cannot be done with brute force.
If it's locked too tightly, the crankshaft won't turn; if it's too loose, it will knock.
It all comes down to feel.
Su Wei closed his eyes and focused all his attention on his fingertips.
He could clearly feel every bit of tension in the thread engagement.
It's tight.
Loosen it back a quarter turn.
Move the connecting rod by hand.
It smoothly rotated around the crankshaft once, without any jamming or play.
Even a seasoned mechanic standing here wouldn't be able to find fault with it.
The core component has been successfully replaced.
The next step is repackaging.
Apply sealant.
Close the gearbox cover.
Install the drive belt.
Install the CVT transmission housing.
Su Wei tightened each screw in a diagonal sequence, a rule repeatedly emphasized in his father's notes.
Three hours.
I worked from afternoon until evening.
The cold air seeped in through the cracks in the door, and my fingers were a little stiff from the cold, but I didn't slow down.
The last plastic side panel was then attached.
This black and red Polaris snowmobile still looks battered and bruised, with no visible changes.
But at its core, it has been replaced with a robust connecting rod from the automotive industry.
Su Wei straightened up.
The spine emitted a series of popping sounds, like popping beans.
My stomach growled at just the right moment.
Never mind.
Test drive it first.
If it doesn't ring, nothing I eat tonight will taste good.
After unscrewing the fuel tank cap, most of the old fuel inside had evaporated, making it difficult to ignite.
Su Wei picked up a bottle of carburetor cleaner from the side.
Disconnect the air filter tube.
I sprayed it directly into the air intake twice, using this combustion improver to ignite it.
Insert the key and turn it to ON.
The dashboard flashed faintly, the red backlight standing out starkly in the dimly lit garage.
Su Wei straddled the cushion.
Hold the handlebars with your left hand and the starter lever with your right.
Without electric start, it can only be started manually.
At temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, engine oil becomes extremely viscous, requiring tremendous force to pull it.
Su Wei adjusted his breathing.
White mist was exhaled from the nostrils.
First attempt.
It's not for starting the engine, but to get the oil flowing and lubricate the newly installed connecting rod.
Pull gently.
The piston moves inside the cylinder, making a "whoosh, whoosh" sucking sound.
The resistance is significant.
Good news, the cylinder pressure is sufficient and there is no air leakage.
Pull it two more times.
The initial astringency has lessened slightly.
That's about it.
Su Wei stood up, stepped on the pedal with his left foot, and used his full body weight.
Wrap the rope tightly around the handle with your right hand.
The icon for "[ Mechanical Repair ]" is bouncing at the edge of the field of view.
Whether you can find money in the U-Shaped Valley depends on this one tremor.
"Rise!"
A low growl.
Su Wei suddenly leaned back, unleashing his explosive power in an instant.
Squeak!
The flywheel is spinning at high speed.
A muffled popping sound came from inside the engine.
puff!
A plume of black smoke billowed from the exhaust pipe, choking people and bringing tears to their eyes.
No luck.
But then there was movement.
That was the sound of fuel being ignited.
It wants to live.
Su Wei didn't stop; taking advantage of the feeling from before, he immediately started pulling a second time.
We have to be quick.
Otherwise, once that little bit of starter fluid evaporates, it'll be all over.