Great thread, Ed:

Let me also add a big "Thank You" for your service.

I can certainly associate with a lot of the things being said - leaving things off or not documenting correctly and having to tear back into a project because I didn't hook-up/install a part that is now not accessible. I've done a lot of engines on everything from little weed-eaters to go-karts to dirt bike (lot and lots of very high performance two-stroke motors) and probably the most would be SBC. I once got all done, buttoned up and just about ready to fire one and found a wrist pin clip on the engine stand. Needless to say, I bought a new gasket set for that build!

Like Tech, I have been making check lists for a long time - it add far more peace-of-mind than extra time. I take pictures as well - lots of them as cell phone cameras do a real good job and it can save a lot of, "hmmm, I wonder where that goes?" - especially when working a new build.

Best All,
Glenn