1968 Colony Park 482

[My427stang]

Hi Brent,

   I measured using your procedure with setting the mic at the minimum main bore spec then zeroing the bore gauge to that. The bore gauge reads the main bearing bore to be .001 too small. I only checked the #1 main bore. 

    Sounds like either Cleveland X1 bearings. Or, have the mains opened up .001. If the main bores were opened up to .001, would that make the current new bearings unusable as they have been crushed to a tighter spec?

Don't make or even contemplate decisions on one hole....all the bearings were tight except #5, need to know if the bores tell you the same thing plus the taper issue.

 I like the idea of getting a sharp machinist to check main alignment and bore size, hone all 5 to min stock specs, and straight.  Check bearing clearance at assembly and press on.

[FirstEliminator]

I've decided the block will be going to a machine shop the check and probably align hone the main bearing bores.

   Question, since I have torqued down a set of new bearings in mains that are undersized, did that compromise the new bearing and I should get new ones?

[Barry_R]

Won't hurt them - see what the line hone guy "says" as far as dimensions and straightness before passing judgement.  He should have a high end bore gauge (mine is a Sunnen unit that cost a small fortune, came with the line hone cabinet as a package.) and his measurements are likely more accurate.

[FirstEliminator]

    Not wanting to rush things, but really needing to get this back together I've decided to mock up the Cleveland bearings.  The Cleveland x1 bearings will be here tomorrow. If they come in at the mid 2's. I will leave well enough alone and put it together.
   Luckily, I also ordered an extra set of 1-under rod bearings. One lower bearing would come in about .0004 too tight on every rod I tried it in. Swapping in a std lower bearing with a 1-under upper got me at .0028. Using a bearing from new set should get me in tune with the others at .0024.
     
    I'm excited to get this done and with all the checking and adjustments quite optimistic this time.  Worst case scenario I will drop a worn out 390 back in the wagon and dial-in for a 17.90 at BSD.

     

[FirstEliminator]

Only had a few minutes this evening to make a little progress. The new bearings came in today. I didn't open the CLeveland X1 bearings yet. I did open the 1-under rod bearings and got the last rod to .0024.  I see why you guys have lots of bearings hanging around. There was one rod bearing in the first 1-under set that consistently made clearance .0004 too tight.  Heck, having extra Chevy rod bearings sounds like a good reason to put a stroker kit in another FE block. Lets get this one back together first.
   Tomorrow evening I will try out the Cleveland bearings. Just grind off the tabs and put them in? Or is it preferred to grind a notch in the block to accommodate the C bearings?

[FirstEliminator]

O-K,  changed my mind again.   It was difficult to find a machine shop nearby that did line honing. So I was going to use the Cleveland x1 bearings.  But, a few minutes ago a guy that I called returned my call. He is the guy that these machine shops send their line honing to. Very nice guy, we talked for a bit. I will be taking the block to him to touch up after checking a few more things. With that, another set of main bearings is on the way. He was iffy on touching up the main bores and using bearings that might be over crushed. I just ordered them as spending 68 bucks seemed way better than my visions of dealing with a spun bearing if something didn't go so well. 
    So far, 4 is the magic number. 4 sets of main bearings and 4 sets of rod bearings. With shipping costs I'm probably around the 650 mark for bearings.  Well, I have some for next time.

     

[CDXXVII]

Hmm. Might have to knock on your door for some misc mains to try. Eventually will be getting into the engine of my 62 XL project!

[FirstEliminator]

Hey Lars, when ever you are ready!

[FirstEliminator]

Block was line honed.
   
     Main oil clearances are now:
#1 .0029
#2 .0031
#3 .0031
#4 .0030
#5 .0028

        I will clean the block and start assembly tonight.

     Thank you guys for steering me in the correct direction.

     BEAVER SPRINGS!!!!!!!!
     
    Mark

[blykins]

Exactly where I would put them.  Excellent.

[FirstEliminator]

Exactly where I would put them.  Excellent.

   When I clicked on "show unread posts since last visit" and saw you replied, I had that quick thought pass through my mind where you would say "No, it's way too much". Glad to see it's where it should be. 

   thanks,
       Mark

[My427stang]

I agree....good numbers, are the rods good? Lost track lol

[FirstEliminator]

hi Ross, yes. all rods are .0024.

[FirstEliminator]

Crank, rods and pistons are in. Will be making more headway tonight.  Since it was going to be line honed I upgraded to main studs.  In case you're wondering, it was line honed with the new studs in place.

Mark

[FirstEliminator]

My co-worker asked if we are installing the engine in the wagon tomorrow. There isn't much left from here. So, I think we can make time for that.
  Before the valve covers went on I primed the oil system. There was resistance with a manual speed handle and oil was dripping off the rockers. 

   BEAVER SPRINGS!!!