So . . .
I did all the clearance inspection, with the thrust bearing issue and was revisiting things this morning when I realized that the new bearings I bought were still in the box. I did all the work with the original main bearings. Oof.
I installed the new bearings and everything measured out between .002 and .0015 clearance. Even the thrust bearing. In the end, I'm all good and the crank turns well.
Dragsix,
My engine did not come with a 848 head. It's a Canadian block, so not sure if that makes a difference. The code stamped on the machined area left of the dipstick is 1744C, which I have not been able to decipher.
I did look at manuals online. The 1955 manual still referenced shims. The only thing I could find for a 56 engine was an addendum to the 55 manual, but did not have a section updating to no shims. If you could point me to the right resource for my block it would be appreciated.
I did have a machine shop recondition and balance the crank. The fit of the new bearings would supposedly confirm the crank is good. Must have been another issue, but now that things work, I'm not going to spend anymore time investigating.
Thanks,
Mark K
