weircc

iTrader: (6)

OK needing some help fellas, I have a 2004 lq4 with 75,000+ miles wasn't anything wrong with it I'm just adding some ls3 heads and new cam anyhow I decided to re bearing and ring motor while it was apart. Now here's my problem when (before i took crank out)the motor was just sitting there with crank only I could grab it and turn it over by hand with ease, when I put back together with new bearings its almost like its locked up at first until you get it spinning then its real easy, if you stop its sticks again this is with caps torqued to 15 ft lbs to seat bearings. I thought it might be new bearings so I put old bearings back in and it does same thing sticks until you get it spinning. I'm sure its probably the thrust bearing I have smacked the **** out of it forward and backwards and it doesn't change any advise would be great thanks

RockinWs6

Do you have any kind of lubricant on the bearings? What you are saying is the break away torque is too high compared to before you took it apart.

weircc

iTrader: (6)

Yes I used royal purple assembly lube, its like the crank is stuck (locked up) till u get it spinning then its real easy

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Did you check bearing clearances? Mix up the bearing caps or have them on backwards??

Do you have the heads on with spark plugs installed?

weircc

iTrader: (6)

Caps are numbered and I put the old bearings back in and it does same thing and (spun like a champ before I took crank out)

Italianjoe1

Just the crank? Did you use assembly/moly lube on the bearings? It's very 'sticky', it will do a pretty good job of resisting your initial efforts to spin the crank but as you said it will be fine once it's turning.

Just re-read and saw you are using the assy lube, that's what the difference is. Much thicker than regular oil. You'll be fine.

weircc

iTrader: (6)

Also on caps tangs are lined up

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Do you have the heads on with spark plugs installed?


How did you put the same bearings back in? Did you mark what cap they came out of?

weircc

iTrader: (6)

Yes I used royal purple assembly lube on bearings when installed crank could be it I guess I may try taking back apart and putting just some normal oil on them too see if she frees up cause royal purple is thick as hell. However I would clean back up and reinstall with the royal purple its good stuff

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

True to a point, but nothing that would seem unusual and make one concerned. I think common sense would prevail if it was just "sticky" lube.

weircc

iTrader: (6)

No heads pistons etc... just crankshaft

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Curious to the answer of my Q....are heads on? With plugs/springs/pushrods????

RockinWs6

Well easy way to tell, wipe off all the *** lube and use some motor oil. Should turn very easy then.

weircc

iTrader: (6)

Crank only nothing else no pistons,cam,heads or anything

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Something is wrong. The crank should be able to spin with nearly no effort. If there are no pistons you should be able to turn it with a finger on the end of a wrench. Absolutely no resistance. Your clearances are off, or the caps are on wrong.

weircc

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for input guys I'll try tomorrow and post back

RockinWs6

BE sure you don't get any lube behind the bearings. That will make it a big difference.

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

If you can, post a picture of the caps for us. It's possible to put the caps in right # order, but starting on the wrong end (if that makes sense)

RockinWs6

Be sure the block bearing areas are clean without lube and the bearing are clean without lube before you install then. Then lightly lube each bearing after its installed.

mannyman84

iTrader: (2)

Are they lined up to the outside of the block?