295cc Robins Rebuild Gone Bad

[Gerlitz0915]

I am rebuilding a 295cc Robins 2 cylinder. I have it all torn apart. I put new rings on the old pistons (clean pistons). I didnt change the connecting rods or crank. When I am torquing (12-14 ft/lbs) the caps on the connecting rods to the crank; the crank seizes. I cant move it by hand with the flywheel on the crank. If I finger tighten the caps on one of the pistons to the crank and torque the other set of caps; the crank spins freely. Any advice.

[Volt_Ampere]

Did you put the same parts back in the same place? Always do that when using your old parts! Sounds like you maybe did not do that.

[kogieblack]

Just lubricate it.

[Gerlitz0915]

Old parts went back together the same way. It is lubricated with plenty of oil

[cart around]

Try torquing each bolt a little at a time. Maybe 4 ft/lbs at a time.

[Gerlitz0915]

^tired to do this. Still seizes. They can only remain finger tight before seizing.

[mlominack]

Try using some plastigauge to check clearances of rod caps
http://www.plastigaugeusa.com/how.html

[ldj1002]

Originally Posted by Gerlitz0915

Old parts went back together the same way. It is lubricated with plenty of oil

Can't be, something is different. Did you turn the rod cap around 180*?

[Volt_Ampere]

If you are using original parts, you are not putting them back the same way or they would not bind.

[ezgo on fire]

Sounds dumb but make sure that crank is pushed all the way in against the bearings. If it is out just a hair it will bind with the rods on. The spacer washers goes on the fan side. Rods also say fan side. You should have replaced rods. I use lock tight and just tighten by feel. Probably more than 15lbs but has always worked for me. The robins have a bad problems with the bolts backing out over time. Just got one in running but knocking. Rod bolt was half way out.