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| | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 67 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 67 | I have my 235 stipped down to a short block. The head that was on it has cracks around the exhaust valves in three out of six of the cylinders.
I would like to check the main bearings. Can I just take off the caps and check for scratches and wear? I have a tendency to go to far. I would like to keep the block intacted but still check for problems. Any suggestions?
Thank you | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy Chuck49, please remember to tell us what year engine/truck you're asking questions about, there are differences in construction/bearing adjustments throughout the years. You can simply remove your caps and check your bearing condition, if they dont appear too bad, and the crank looks good, then you could plastigauge them and check the clearances. If your clearances are a bit too large, and you have an earlier shim adjusted main bearing block, you could remove shims to adjust your clearances. If your block is a true precision bearing block [no shims] and your clearances are too large, then I'm afraid you have to turn the crank and purchase the appropriate oversize bearings. If you do have a shim adjusted block, and it needs a total rebuild, I would highly recommend having the block align bored, hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 67 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 67 | Hy Chuck49, please remember to tell us what year engine/truck you're asking questions about, there are differences in construction/bearing adjustments throughout the years. You can simply remove your caps and check your bearing condition, if they dont appear too bad, and the crank looks good, then you could plastigauge them and check the clearances. If your clearances are a bit too large, and you have an earlier shim adjusted main bearing block, you could remove shims to adjust your clearances. If your block is a true precision bearing block [no shims] and your clearances are too large, then I'm afraid you have to turn the crank and purchase the appropriate oversize bearings. If you do have a shim adjusted block, and it needs a total rebuild, I would highly recommend having the block align bored, hope that helps. Thanks. It's a 56 and supposed to be a full-flow. The engine came out of a 56 Chevy sedan, and it's in my 49 Chevy 5 window 3100 truck. What should the plastiguage read? Thanks, again! Chuck | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy Chuck49, the clearance on the main and rod bearings for that year 235 is .001" - .003", hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 | Chuck,
Use the green plastiguage.
Hank | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 | Here's a link that has helped me with my '56 235 rebuild as well. http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/373.cfmIt has all the spec's , torque, clearances, etc. Good luck with your project. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 67 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 67 | Thanks, guys! I REALLY appreciate all your help and suggestions! Have a great weekend!  Chuck | | |
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