Tips on removing cylinder jugs on Johnson K35

[free1986]

I’m getting ready to pull the cylinders on a 1927 Johnson K35.  The missing outer muffler shell allowed mud daubers into the cylinders.  Taking the cylinders off to clean them out.  I’ve never taken an opposed twin apart. I plan on making sure the rings are free in the groves while I’m in there.

Are there any hidden tricks I need to know so I don’t break something?

Guesses on torque for reinstalling the cylinders?

Can I just compress the rings by hand?

Also, the back gas tank welds are cracked and the tank is bent so that it rubs the flywheel.  Any tips on bending it enough to get it where I can test it with this tank?

[Buccaneer]

The easiest thing to break may be the piston skirts if they bang against the
connecting rods. I usually stuff rags or paper towels inside the piston to
prevent this.
Not likely you could actually use a torque wrench on the cylinder nuts,
so just tighten them up evenly a little at a time until they’re good and snug.

If the gas tank ears are bent, you may be able to gently tap thems back into proper position
after softening the aluminum slightly with a little bottle torch.
It may be that the gas tank body itself is bent, and you can “pull down” on the
tank while it’s still bolted in place, to get the proper clearance from the flywheel.
Of course, if you use a torch near a gas tank, caution and prep. is prudent.

Prepare to be boarded!

[Author]

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