Pretty damn close to being torn down. With the girdle there it would be a nightmare to do it looking up at it. With trans and all the other stuff already off, we contemplated just pulling the motor and checking it but Dana decided that if this one doesn't last he would just put a built one in.

 

I've pulled thrust washers with the girdle in

 

Care to share? I'm sure a lot of people would appreciate it.

 

Not much to share. Push the crank back, insert a feeler gauge behind the washer and was able to roll the crank and get the washers to drop out. Really long feeler gauge required.

It's easier with the girdle out, which could be done in car as well. the drive belt and transmission mainshaft will keep the crank in the car, no need to remove connecting rods. Reuse the main bearings.

Possible to replace main bearings with a crank in the car as well.

 

all done with the rods still attached to the crank?

 

yes.

 

The engine in question had over the max crank end play, have not tried it on one that had under the max end play.

 

Transmission was off, we would of just pulled it and do it the the easy way. Hey what ever works for one person might not be easy for the next.

 

How did you get the new washers in? I was under the assumption that they were worn enough to drop out. A fresh set would of been hell to put back in.

 

Very true.