The original poster, isn't looking to do anything but change leaking gaskets, paint the engine, fix the bearing cap, and drive on down the road. So why is anybody trying get his old engine prepared for a Lunar landing? If it were mine, I would take off the cap, look it over to see if it is about to become two pieces. If it is not in obvious jeopardy of coming apart, I would put it back on, add a a washer for each bolt, and drive it down the road. It is not a part that moves (like a rod bearing cap), so I wouldn't expect it to fail. If it does fail, you will have a spun bearing, worst case scenario. So, Jaydevc has a choice, buy/have built a new engine, or put this one back together and get all of the miles that are left in it.
Carl
