Plugs aside, I've got another query about my engine that I hope someone here can help clear up now that the RB forums isn't accepting any more registrations...

I'm paying close attention to this engine, i'd love it to last, unlike my previous ones - I've got just over a gallon through, about 5L now, and its really coming to life.

Though i've also noticed that there's very little pinch in the sleeve when the engine's cold. I can turn it over without a lot of trouble by hand. Though, i suppose there seems to be ample compression when the engine's warm, so i've got nothing to worry about, right?

Also, when running this weekend, the engine took a rather abrupt hit to the cooling head after flying astray from our track's triples - directly into the launching ramp beside it. Bent a few cooling fins out of place, and the engine had stopped suddenly on impact.

It wanted to start up again afterwards, but its at this time i noticed the lack of pinch when cold, and i can also feel a 'clicking' of the crank near TDC, as the con-rod siwtches over in its rotation, if that makes sense.

Is it time for me to dismantle and inspect? Is this a sign of the con-rod needing replacement? I havent done that yet after run-in. I'd rather not pull it apart without due need - i'm fairly inexperienced.

Thanks for any advice.