Part II
With all the pistons in place and at their uppermost point (flush with the block deck) turn the engine over. You can now install the bearing halves in place on the rods & mains (there should be no oil between the bearing back and the metal) (Photo 7). Place the thrust washer top halves in place on either side of the center cap. The crankshaft rod journals on the 1800 engine are opposite each other, so if you hold the rod journals horizontal you can set the crank in place without touching any of the rods. Put motor oil on the exposed bearing surfaces and on the crank main & rod journals. Set the crank in place resting on the three main journals.
Install the remaining main bearing halves in the main caps. Install the caps being sure they are facing the correct way and in the correct order (the three main engine is fairly straight forward, but some of the 5 main engines have caps that all look similar). Place the thrust washer bearings in place as you install the center cap.
Before tightening the main caps, check the crankshaft end thrust with a dial indicator gauge. Any excess movement must be controlled with oversized thrust washers. Bolt and torque the three main caps. Now the rod bearings can be attached to the crank. Again use motor oil on the bearings before contacting the crank. Use care bringing the rod to the crank being careful not to scratch the crank. (Photo 8) Torque the rod caps installing lock plates under the nuts. Install the front plate, with the required gasket in place. (Photo 9) Next insert the camshaft being sure to liberally lubricate each journal and lobe with cam lube. (Photo 10) Install the cam locating plate to keep the cam in place. Install the oil pump drive. Remove the two bolts holding the oil pump sections together and pack the oil pump with Vaseline. This will help you get oil pressure later.
Reassemble the pump and install it in the engine using the required gasket between it and the block. Be sure to engage the oil pump drive with the pump. (Photo 11) Torque the nuts to the required foot pounds. Install the cam sprocket and crank sprocket with the timing chain being sure the timing marks are aligned. (Photo 12) Torque the cam nut with its lockplate installed. Bend over the tag on the lockplate. Place the oil slinger on the crank stub and install the timing chain tensioner with required gaskets. The timing chain cover and oil pan can be installed next. Use proper gaskets and torque as required. There are several oil & water openings at the rear of the block on either side. The appropriate fittings can be installed into these openings. Be sure to install the oil pressure spring, valve & copper washers as required.
In the next Part we will turn the block over and start on the top side. Any questions can be directed to Ron at 281-346-2417 or e-mail ron@5RRestorations.com.