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LS1 main caps directional? Help needed!

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Old Jun 14, 2004 | 01:47 PM
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Question LS1 main caps directional? Help needed!

Getting ready to start engine assembly and noticed the machine shop has 2 of my main caps in "backward" when they line honed my mains. It obviously bolted up fine for them to do this but I am not sure of the consequences.
Any thoughts or concerns? Thanks!
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Old Jun 14, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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Hmmm, well I'm pretty sure you can't switch them now.

I wonder if it'll be fine since they were line honed in their respective positions?
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Old Jun 14, 2004 | 04:56 PM
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I know in an old SBC, if the bearing grooves were installed facing the wrong direction you would soon spin a bearing!!!
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Old Jun 14, 2004 | 11:33 PM
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I did not mention that the caps are in their respective order, ie 1-5 are where they belong. Just #2 and #4 are backward. You can definitely see where the cap bearing alignment groove is "matched" to the block one. Cantdrv65 may be right, this could cause the bearings to spin. Not like I need to make this easier since spun bearings killed the donor motor in the first place.
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 05:21 PM
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Go back and have them do it right for free. Dont just "live with it". They are directional for a reason.
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 10:37 PM
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the middle caps can flipped, they are machined with bearing tang grooves on both sides of the cap, as long as the block and cap cleaned at the parting line you should be fine.
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Old Jun 16, 2004 | 09:08 AM
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Only #1 and #5 are dual tang...Take it back for sure!!if the centers are flipped it's no good man..the side bolts wouldnt line up correctly if the center caps where flipped (they might thread..but not seated in the register properly)..make them re-do it. Good luck...BTW...when all the mains go back in..the bearing tangs on the cap must be on the oposite sides of the block tangs for proper alignment and bearing crush.

Carter
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Old Jun 17, 2004 | 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 10secondZ
Only #1 and #5 are dual tang...Take it back for sure!!if the centers are flipped it's no good man..the side bolts wouldnt line up correctly if the center caps where flipped (they might thread..but not seated in the register properly)..make them re-do it. Good luck...BTW...when all the mains go back in..the bearing tangs on the cap must be on the oposite sides of the block tangs for proper alignment and bearing crush.

Carter
What he said...
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Old Jun 18, 2004 | 08:15 AM
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Thanks for all the input, folks! Update, I had the machinist come over to look at the block. In reality, they DID line hone with the caps in the proper orientation. When they vatted and washed the block they removed the caps. When I picked it up they had just put the caps on without torquing or centering. I freaked prematurely but hey, I'm a man right?!?
Last, I installed the crank yesterday and checked clearances. Nothing over 0.0017" so things are looking good! Hope to light it up by Monday. Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me.
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Old Jun 18, 2004 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by ktmrider
Thanks for all the input, folks! Update, I had the machinist come over to look at the block. In reality, they DID line hone with the caps in the proper orientation. When they vatted and washed the block they removed the caps. When I picked it up they had just put the caps on without torquing or centering. I freaked prematurely but hey, I'm a man right?!?
Last, I installed the crank yesterday and checked clearances. Nothing over 0.0017" so things are looking good! Hope to light it up by Monday. Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me.
Did they label the caps so that you know which ones go to which positions?
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Old Jun 18, 2004 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by CANNIBAL
Did they label the caps so that you know which ones go to which positions?
Yes, they stamped the caps for both position and direction. It also matched the GM stampings. This is how we realized where the confusion came from.
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Old Jun 18, 2004 | 11:49 AM
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That motor will be tight man.Nice oil pressure for sure too Good luck!

Carter
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 04:16 PM
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I have the same problem I don't know how #2 #3 #4 caps go. Are the barring locks suppose to line up or they the opposite of each other? I know #1 and #5 caps have to go inward so the timing cover and rear main seal cover can be bolted on. But just can't figure out how the middle three go. Can any one help?
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 12:03 AM
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Why would you mark main caps? They are in order from the factory and you guessed it, they are numbered and all numbers facing right side up. You literally cannot put them in incorrectly unless you aren't paying attention.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Johnnyfever95
I have the same problem I don't know how #2 #3 #4 caps go. Are the barring locks suppose to line up or they the opposite of each other? I know #1 and #5 caps have to go inward so the timing cover and rear main seal cover can be bolted on. But just can't figure out how the middle three go. Can any one help?
1,2,3, & 4 have the side that is stenciled on the drivers side of the block and 5 has the number on the passengers side.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 01ssreda4
Why would you mark main caps? They are in order from the factory and you guessed it, they are numbered and all numbers facing right side up. You literally cannot put them in incorrectly unless you aren't paying attention.
You are asking a question from something that happened so long ago that the OP likely does not remember the answer.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 5.3LJimmy
You are asking a question from something that happened so long ago that the OP likely does not remember the answer.
Actually, a "thread jumper"resurrected this old thread with the same question the original poster asked...
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 09:03 PM
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One thing that I learned over the years building engines, is that when you have "unmarked" caps rods, or mains, look at the grinding/sanding marks on the inside bearing area! If they dont match 100% then you need to switch them up.

If you had that engine line bored, there will be distinguishing marks on each cap. You have to look close but its there. No boring bar of any type scores the same from one end to another.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 11:02 PM
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Yeah, I seem to forget that these ancient threads keep getting bumped to the top.
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 05:19 AM
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thanks
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