Questions About Building/modding A Engine

[yoshiii335]

Hello

For those of you who work on, mod, build, rebuild your engine, what would you say are the biggest mistakes people make when doing it that causes them to mess up and or blow their engine?

I am learning about engines, have the RB 20,26,25 shop manual.

I plan on buying a used 20 or 25 for cheap to learn on.

[Dale FZ1]

Failing to understand necessary clearances and then check that they are within those parameters during preparation and assembly. Talking bearing clearances, piston to bore clearances, and ring end-gaps.

Secondly, failing to adhere to absolute cleanliness and eliminating dirt, sludge, machine filings etc from galleries and other nooks/crannies. This is prior to assembly, up until the engine is effectively completed/sealed.

Thirdly, using too much liquid gasket and having it lumps find their way to the sump then causing oil starvation.