The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Driving me nowhere but crazy

So I didn't sleep much last night.

I'm partway through the second restoration of my '53. This time around I opted for a 'overhauled' 235. Not rebuilt, just disassembled, measured, and repaired where needed. I, well it wasn't really me, but I.B. Hoggin here measured up my crank, cylinders (and the like), showed me plastiguage, and then showed me how to put it all together. So I did, replaced rod bearings, plastiguaged, shimmed, and torqued everything. All's well. Now its been a couple months since I finished assembling it and placed it on the frame. I 'think' everything went in the way it came out. What I didn't know, I looked up on here. Thing that has been driving me crazy for the last few months (and getting worse I might add) is I don't know if I put the pistons in the right way (that sounds sorta bad). They went in the same hole, but I can't remember (and don't have any pictures) if I put the 'piston tick' facing the front or back :o . Or the 'piston bolt' on the camshaft side or not. Thing thats making it worse is that it only wants to turn over (by the fan) one way :confused: (looking at the front of the engine, clockwise). I haven't tried to start it (for lack of intelligence/skill/ability).

So I guess the question is, why won't it turn over both ways? and what could happen if the pistons are in the wrong way?

well, thanks... :rolleyes:

Colin

Most of the time if you install a rod on these backwards, it will either jam or be extremely tight. It would probably be worth having a look at them.

As far as turning only one way with the belt, the belt will give good friction/traction in one direction, depending on which side you are pulling on.

definately check it out,,if it won't turn over by hand it wno't w/the starter,,if the rods/pistons are backwards they can contact the block. I had a buddy yrs ago w/a sm block 400 in a 64 C10, had to replace one spun rod-they gave him a 350 rod(just about 1/8" too long). It also wouldn't turn over by hand, it would go round so far & stop. He installed it anyway-starter would't crank it, so he pulled his Dad's 82 Silverado diesel(2 batteries) to jump it. It started & actually ran a few seconds-camshaft broke in 3 places, cylinder wall half gone, that piston turned into chunk of alum size of a golf ball, 2 lifters disappered, he m,ade lots of scrap metal that day. much cheaper to buy some gaskets now than another engine,,brian

well thanks for the info guys.
Because it is actually driving me crazy, I think I should just drop the pan and check. 'Piston Bolt' thing (can't for the life of me remember the name) should be on the camshaft side right?
If I did screw up I should be able to unbolt the rod, push the piston up in the cylinder rotate it and bolt it back in right? I don't really want to pull the head again.
Thanks again...
Colin