Problems with New Bearings!?!?!

[borodrifter]

So after two sets of bearings - one set Clevite P series, one set Toga HP, both standard sized - I have encountered the same problem. Once I torque them down to spec, the crank becomes very very very hard to turn by hand. If I break the caps loose, its freed up! They fit in the rod and cap just fine, but when torqued around the crank, they become hard as **** to turn. So hard you basically need a breaker bar. And the head isnt torqued so its not compression. Any thoughts?

[240sxmech]

did you take the rod caps off one at a time and puthem back on or all at the same time. sounds like your putting the wrong cap on the wrong rod.

[dsc4130]

im building the motor and it feels like one of them is binding up. the only cap that i think it could be is the number 3 cyl. the cap says 1 on it but thats how the motor came. but like boro said as soon as i loosen them up it spins but tightened down it doesnt move at all. ideas? should i go digging though my parts motor for a rod cap?

[gumby74]

This is the essence of engine assembly.Get you some Plasti-Gauge and check all your bearing clearances.Even after thorough machining and measuring, I went through no less than 3 sets of Clevite main and 2 sets of clevite rod bearings to make perfectly matched sets.The care and time you put into the details will dictate the strength and durability of your build.I see you mentioned the head is not torqued, the head should be completely removed because the valves are still under spring tension.

[borodrifter]

damnit, I forgot to get plast-gauge from work...good thing about the Toga HPs, if your clearance is worng you just send the wrong ones back adn they replace them.
Modified by borodrifter at 8:05 AM 5/5/2007

[240sxmech]

did you have any crank work done?did you have the rods resized? what exactly are you doing just replacing bearings and rings a freshen up job? and yesyouneed to put the rod caps back on the correct rod ie. 1/1 2/2 3/3 4/4

[borodrifter]

the crank is stock. I had it mic'd and it was fine. I didnt see the measurements myself but they passed it. The rods are stock, never been touched.I am just replacing the bearings and rings. The bearings are correct, they are standard size. I am at a total loss here....

[240sxmech]

make sure your putting the rod caps back on the right way lock end to lock end