I just started reading this thread and am impressed with the speed that you are progressing especially with a bum knee. I doubt that I could do it this quickly with two good knees. You seem to really know your way around an engine and good with a wrench.
In the picture where you are measuring your head bolts with a super cheap set of plastic calipers. Wow, I am a machinist and have seen and used those. I wouldn't trust them on anything, except something like woodworking. I wouldn't even trust a calibrated set of Mitotoyo Digital new calipers on that, but would only use a high quality set of micrometers for measuring those bolts. I work as a machinist, where we make high quality fasteners and the way you are measuring with that caliper brings up all kinds of red flags. Hope they don't break when you torque these down because I sure don't trust your measurements to determine if they are good or not. Obviously you were ok in these parts, but for the next guy, I would urge they use a more accurate measuring device.
Measuring a bolt on a lawnmower handle, sure use those, but not something like this. Pay the bucks for a quality micrometer, something good quality like Starett, Mitutoyo, Brown and Sharp, etc. or have somebody measure them with good tools.
Thanks so much for taking the time to photograph this and take us along for the ride as you went. Just finished reading this thread and very impressed with your skills.
"He done good, Fred".
Smokey and the Bandit.
