I'm hoping to get my HCI swap off the ground after the new year. When I built my motor three years ago, I put main studs on the bottom end. This was my first motor build and I researched the crap out of it before doing it. However, I made one mistake (that I know of). I added the main studs after the block left the machine shop, meaning that the mains were not checked or honed with the studs. I've read both ways on this, some say the studs pull the mains out of round, others say they have gotten away with it without problems. Its been three years and about 8500 HARD miles. No problems as of yet. I cut open my last oil filter today with nothing bad inside.
Taking this into consideration, I am thinking about pulling my motor when I do the HCI and checking the status of the main bearings. If all looks good, I will keep running it this way. My question is this:
Can I pull the main caps and put them back on without removing the rods and pistons from the block? I know I had to set the thrust bearing clearance when I installed the crank the first go around. Is this feasible with the rods still installed?
Thanks for any advice.
Joe
Taking this into consideration, I am thinking about pulling my motor when I do the HCI and checking the status of the main bearings. If all looks good, I will keep running it this way. My question is this:
Can I pull the main caps and put them back on without removing the rods and pistons from the block? I know I had to set the thrust bearing clearance when I installed the crank the first go around. Is this feasible with the rods still installed?
Thanks for any advice.
Joe