Here is a subject that never ends. I am finally getting my 216 back together after getting the cracked block welded. It is the first time I have had the luxury of replacing a rope seal with the engine in a stand and the crankshaft completely loose. Still a problematic process. I have at this time only the crank in place. The main bearings are plastigaged to spec and the shaft has rotated nicely, until today. Now I have installed the rope seal according to the many instructions found around this site. Still when I torque down the four caps to, well, only 90 ft lbs so far, the shaft is impossible to rotate. If I take off the rear cap with half the seal it is still impossible to rotate. I can see the rope peeking out around the lower half of the bearing cap. I am sure it is sealing well, but I am not sure I want to keep going until I feel this is done right.
So far the harmonic balancer is off, so I am trying to turn it by wrestling with the counterweights on the crank.

It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug
Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri
1953 Chevy 3100
1960 Volvo PV 544
1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe