I have a short block I'm disassembling. I'm down to the block, cradle and crank.

I've removed all the bolts around the outside of the cradle and the 10 crank bolts so I expect there is nothing but sealant and friction holding the cradle in place and the crank in. But my gentle efforts so far (with a rubber mallet and screwdriver) have failed to dislodge it.

Are there any hidden bolts I don't know about? Anything else holding it? Any technique? Or do I need to make a spreader tool?

 

10 maincap bolts, and 15 bolts around the girdle's perimeter. The oil pump and oil pump chain need to removed as well. (should be done to get to the maincap bolts)

There are a few places to put a large screwdriver between the girdle and the block, you just need a good amount of leverage.

 

Have half a box of Weetbix for breakfast and try again.

Chris.

 

Some beers may help out too.

 

Right, so beers, bran and brutality. Sounds like my kind of picnic.

 

Had some Sultana Bran and a couple of News then took a crow bar to it. Popped apart with a fair amount of leverage. Almost soiled myself after all that roughage.

Cheers!