right, after deciding the horrid noises coming from my puma engine must be crank related, ive got myself a replacement engine and plan to rebuild it the week after next. ive sorted main and big end bearings, and a full engine gasket/seal set, and im awaiting a price for piston rings and oil pump. i have just fitted timing belt, water pump, all new tensioners and idlers for the timing and auxillary belt to my current (knackered) engine, so and as theyve only done about 300miles ill be re-using them.

im happy with the basic fundamentals of the stripping and rebuilding process but id just like some clarification on a few things,

tolerances and whats acceptable, do they vary from engine to engine, or is there a generally accepted standard for bearings and ring gaps etc
honing the bores, is it required and the best procedure
assembly lube (a thick oil or a grease?)
initial start up and running in
what solvents and cleaning processes are best, or to be avoided

and any other general advice. as i said im happy with the basics, ive done heads before, lapping valves etc, but not done a proper rebuild and want to make sure its done 100% properly!