fresh 454 4 bolt block has loose #3 cap

ChevJerico

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70 Chevelle, 489 BB, Jerico DR4

Joined Dec 30, 2000

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1,743 Posts

Discussion starter · #1 · Jan 4, 2004

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This block has already been aligned and is fresh from the machine shop. The number 3 cap is loose and can be cocked for and aft.

Is there anything I can do after it's been aligned? I don't want to take it back to the shop.

What kind of problems will a loose cap cause?

Thanks!

 

Tom Mobley

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66 El Camino 57 Chevy pickup 2004 Tahoe

Joined Oct 9, 1998

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25,548 Posts

#2 · Jan 5, 2004

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if they align honed the mains and didn't notice it was loose, you don't want them working on your stuff at all. If they did notice it and didn't fix it you still don't want them working on your stuff.

You can use a blunt-nosed chisel to peen the edge of the block where it meets the cap, but you have to be real careful to keep the alignment. put the cap on, feel the parting line in the bore, see if it's off center. if you can peen the block a little and tighten it up without pushing it over to one side go for it.

This is a new low in machine shop competency, IMO.

Tom

 

G

Guest

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#3 · Jan 5, 2004

I would do as suggested, align the cap and torque. I use a small ball peen hammer and tap the block just out side the mating area for the cap. It's not as aggressive as the blunt chisel method mentioned above. It slightly swells the metal and makes the cap fit tighter.

If the block is a 2 bolt it is possible to pin the caps but it take a good machine shop and in your case a good machinist to do this.

Once done it eliminates the cap moving around.

 

G

Guest

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#4 · Jan 5, 2004

I did that to all my saddles just before I installed my 2-bolt main stud kit just as a precaution sorta thing to snug them down some more!!

I just used my finger to check to see if the parting lines didn't move like was mentioned as I torqued the caps down in sequence..

Do it slow and easy and it should be fine, imho...

pdq67

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H

hilljack2

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Joined Jun 5, 2002

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21 Posts

#5 · Jan 5, 2004

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Appreciate your help as always guys! I was thinking the same thing but wasn't sure. I'll give it a try