First engine rebuild

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Well I figured I would post an update. In case anyone is interested.


I was not discouraged. But took some time to do some reading and in the meantime I took the heads to the machine shop. They said a couple of the valves needed the seals replaced and that I should have the heads decked.

So they just completely reconditioned the heads. It was $310 for the pair including parts. New valve seals, guides, decked, etc. I think thats a pretty good deal. I have saw some post on here that they pay $250 a head to have them reconditioned.


Then the other day I started on the engine again. I took it all apart and started over. I bought this thing at harbor freight that is like a quick change screw driver but instead of quick change for bits it is quick change for different brushes kind like rifle or gun cleaning brushes.

i used those and q tips and cleaned every inch of the block. I cleaned all of the oil passages and blew out all of the water jackets/passages.

I noticed that before I somehow managed to scratch one of the main bearings. I tried sanding it with some 2500 grit but I took almost a thou off of it and could still catch the scratch with my nail. Not wanting to take any chances anymore I just ended up buying a new set of main bearings.

I then installed the crank, checked all the main bearings again with Plastigauge, and checked endplay. I then I Micd the cyl again to be sure and mic'd all of the new pistons. I matched up the cyl to pistons and too them to the shop. Had them put on and I checked (double checked) to make sure the shop put them on the right way.
I then gaped all of the rings making sure to keep them in order. I installed the rings and checked clearances. I then installed the pistons.

Thats where I'm at right now. I have the short block assembled. I put a bolt (actually a bolt from the gear/pulley puller/installer) in the crank and the crank turns nice and pretty easy. There are no rough spots.

I have the whole engine gasket set and I ordered a set of Fel Pro SS tough duty perma torque head gaskets. I got some of the copper spray, a head bolt kit, new lifters, and pushrods.

Ill get some pics up Monday when I pick up the heads.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: First engine rebuild

Wow what a huge thread... I didn't go though the whole thing but you are using assembly lube correct? This is the kind I use to use to put little diesels together..

 

[proshadetree]

Re: First engine rebuild

Glad to see you didn't give up. You have gained knowledge that you can keep for life. If you can build a sbc you can build a 3208 cat . Spec are different but all 4 strokes work the same. If you didn't use assembly lube don't sweat it just preoil the heck out of it.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Lol. Yes I used assy lube. I didn't have an old dist around so I also already bought a primer for $20 from Summit.

So assy lube and I'm gonna prime it.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: First engine rebuild

Lol. Yes I used assy lube. I didn't have an old dist around so I also already bought a primer for $20 from Summit.

So assy lube and I'm gonna prime it.

You should be good to go then... I thought you had a good engine in your boat... Just going to keep this one for a spare?

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

I do. I bought the engine in my boat new and complete.

I was/am just rebuilding this to learn. Thats all. Might save it for a spare, find another boat to put it in, or sell it on CL and try to get some money back. I figure I got about $1500 in it right now.


But now I know the 5.7 in my boat. I know I can fix whatever might happen to it even if it requires a rebuild.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: First engine rebuild

I do. I bought the engine in my boat new and complete.

I was/am just rebuilding this to learn. Thats all. Might save it for a spare, find another boat to put it in, or sell it on CL and try to get some money back. I figure I got about $1500 in it right now.


But now I know the 5.7 in my boat. I know I can fix whatever might happen to it even if it requires a rebuild.

My vote is as a spare, or find another boat with a blown engine and throw it in and use it. You don't want any part of selling it on Craigslist. Any problems that may arise for the purchaser would be your problem too.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: First engine rebuild

I do. I bought the engine in my boat new and complete.

I was/am just rebuilding this to learn. Thats all. Might save it for a spare, find another boat to put it in, or sell it on CL and try to get some money back. I figure I got about $1500 in it right now.




But now I know the 5.7 in my boat. I know I can fix whatever might happen to it even if it requires a rebuild.

Find another barge in good shape to stick it in.. You will never get your investment back on CL...

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Well, Ive been really busy redoing the interior of my boat. Im still ot done with that but I wanted to get some work done on this engine.

Heres some before I started on it yesterday pics.

As of right now I have almost the whole engine together. I have installed: heads, intake mani, timing chain, timing chain cover, harmonic balancer, exhaust manifolds/risers, oil pump, and the oil pan.

Ive attached some pics from before I started yesterday, and a couple from when I was done.


I do have a couple questions.

Is there a certain spec for how far the balancer goes onto the crank? I have it on as far as I could get it. I rented one of the balancer/gear/pulley installers but I still didnt want to chance ripping the threads out of the crank.

And on the dizzy. It doesnt matter what way the dizzy is facing or whatever as long as when I stab the dizzy with the engine at TDC whatever plug wire the dizzy is pointing to I made my #1 plug wire. Then I just ran CLOCKWISE (no?) through the firing order. Is this correct?

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

 

[Bondo]

Re: First engine rebuild

Is there a certain spec for how far the balancer goes onto the crank? I have it on as far as I could get it. I rented one of the balancer/gear/pulley installers but I still didnt want to chance ripping the threads out of the crank.

And on the dizzy. It doesnt matter what way the dizzy is facing or whatever as long as when I stab the dizzy with the engine at TDC whatever plug wire the dizzy is pointing to I made my #1 plug wire. Then I just ran CLOCKWISE (no?) through the firing order. Is this correct?

Ayuh,... The balancer goes on, til it bottoms out....
And,...
Yes, you have the distributer installation correct...

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Thanks Bond-O.

I'm pretty sure it is bottomed out. I was scared to rip the threads out of the crank. I may use a piece of wood and a dead blow hammer to make sure it is seated all the way. I hate to beat on this crank though.

 

[6meter]

Re: First engine rebuild

Lookin good Lac! I have always pounded the balancer on then put the center bolt in and tightened it up with an impact gun. Never did I strip the threads. Make sure your timing marks were lined up on the crank and cam gear. Stuff a rag in #1 spark plug hole, turn motor over and rag will pop out, turn a little bit more to line up at TDC on timing mark, drop dizzy in where you want #1to be, yes it can be anywhere, just this way the timing might be close and look good. You might have to turn the oil pump rod to line up the dizzy. HTH

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Started it today!!!

I put it on the pallet that came with my new engine for my boat. I ran water and fuel to, hooked up a battery, hit the button and after turning the dizzy it fired right up! I brought it right up to 2K RPM to break in the cam, when I did I heard a chattering coming from the right side. I took the oil cap off and could tell it was a rocker. I shut the engine down and took the valve cover off and guess what.... I forgot to adjust one of the valves.

So I fixed that rocker and started it back up and completed the cam break in. I had a 3 set gauge hooked up. Its the kinda gauge that has all mechanical senders. I figured I could use it for diagnostics one day maybe. But anyways, temp and everything was perfect, oil pressure was 50 PSI or so at around 1K RPMs.

After I ran it I took compression reading just for the heck of it. Within 3-5 PSI of 155 PSI on all cyl.

So I guess I did it and Ive got about 1600 or so into it right now fully assembled.


Wasnt that bad, but Im def glad to be done with it.


Thanks everyone. I do have a little video but I have to get it off my gf camera. Ill try to post it later.

 

[Josh P]

Re: First engine rebuild

did you tack weld the pick up for the oil pump?your pics dont show it... i am rebuilding a engine right now a 350 infact that the pick up wasnt tack welded and the pick up fell out and ate the crank alive.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Yes I did tack it on.

 

[Josh P]

Re: First engine rebuild

ok good didnt want to see you waste money... Didnt know if you knew to do that or if someone told you to so i figured id ask since it didnt look like it in your pic.. glad to see you got it running

 

[Bondo]

Re: First engine rebuild

Started it today!!!

Ayuh,... Glad to hear it,...

To 'ell with the video, I wanna go for a Boat Ride....

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: First engine rebuild

Yea!!!

 

[6meter]

Re: First engine rebuild

Good for you! I'd say that in the last couple of months you've learned a thing or two about how a Chevy works. Now go find a boat with a frozen motor to put it in. Ya might have to travel a bit north for that though.