Joined
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2,876 Posts
You can use or not use that rear cap O ring. GM eventually stopped but they still come in the gasket kits. I use them.
Rick
Rick
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454 gen V build
Hi all! I decided to start another thread where I will share the process of refreshing my 454 big-block. But it is more important for me that you help me avoid critical mistakes when assembling the engine, since this is my first work with a big-block. It's not a big dollar build, but just an engine refresh because I had to take it apart and wash all the oil passages.
So, I completely disassembled the engine, because camshaft and lifter were damaged, which I talked about in this thread 454 big block camshaft problem.
All parts of the engine, except for the above, are in good condition, in my opinion. I have checked them and made the necessary measurements. So I only ordered a timing kit, camshaft, hydraulic flat lifters, bearings, piston rings, gaskets and the book How to rebuild the big-block Chevrolet.
I lightly honed the cylinders with a hone tool, then washed out the block and other parts.
Before
![IMG_20230102_124014.jpg]()
After
![IMG_20230102_124023.jpg]()
The crankshaft was polished in the machine shop. I checked the clearance with the plastigauge - 0.0015" on the 1-4 main journals, 0.002" on the rear and 0.002" on all rods journals.
![IMG_20230116_145812.jpg]()
![IMG_20230116_172543.jpg]()
![IMG_20230116_181203.jpg]()
![Gas Auto part Machine Carmine Titanium]()
![IMG_20230120_163644.jpg]()
When I installed the rear main seal, I found an o-ring. I installed it under the rear main cup, did I do it right?
![IMG_20230116_191701.jpg]()
When I wanted to install the pistons, I realized that the new rings do not fit the pistons, so I had to order another set. Mistake in the piston ring set?
So, I completely disassembled the engine, because camshaft and lifter were damaged, which I talked about in this thread 454 big block camshaft problem.
All parts of the engine, except for the above, are in good condition, in my opinion. I have checked them and made the necessary measurements. So I only ordered a timing kit, camshaft, hydraulic flat lifters, bearings, piston rings, gaskets and the book How to rebuild the big-block Chevrolet.
I lightly honed the cylinders with a hone tool, then washed out the block and other parts.
Before
After
The crankshaft was polished in the machine shop. I checked the clearance with the plastigauge - 0.0015" on the 1-4 main journals, 0.002" on the rear and 0.002" on all rods journals.
When I installed the rear main seal, I found an o-ring. I installed it under the rear main cup, did I do it right?
When I wanted to install the pistons, I realized that the new rings do not fit the pistons, so I had to order another set. Mistake in the piston ring set?
Attachments
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Joined
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4,827 Posts
Are you planning to run it with that main bearing clearance? Twice that much is still in spec but .0025 is most common.
Too much clearance = low oil pressure
Too little clearance = spun bearings, possible BOOM...
www.chevelles.com
Too much clearance = low oil pressure
Too little clearance = spun bearings, possible BOOM...
Spun bearings and a crack in the block
Long story short, my 502 spun #1 and #2 bearings. I just got the engine out and apart and I am inspecting everything, thinking , okay, I will need to get my crank ground (it was scratched pretty good) and I will likely need an align bore done, since the caps had some damage. Once I got the...
www.chevelles.com
Joined
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25,103 Posts
Ditto above on oil passages. Cam /lifter failure can send sintered iron through the engine. Did you pull all the oil galley plugs and scrub the galleys ( passages ) out with gun barrel brushes when you cleaned the block. ANY trace amounts of metal will eat her alive in hours and ruin all your careful work. ( and $$)
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
