The Ford Barn

3twinridges · 07-25-2025, 09:56 AM

Got the block painted, oil pump idler gear installed, and main galley tube plugged. What’s the recommended order from here, move into crankshaft or work on valve/cam installation?

JB

Kurt in NJ · 07-25-2025, 02:49 PM

you should probably have the crankshaft in to turn the cam — the valve seats should already be ground before final cleaning and anything installed

3twinridges · 07-25-2025, 02:58 PM

That is what I was thinking as well, thank you!

JB

KiWinUS · 07-26-2025, 07:59 AM

I have assembled them in about every order possible. My opinion is it really doesn’t matter on the order so long as everything works out and you don’t have to back track. I will sometimes install cam and valve assemblies to include setting valve lash clearance and then crank ,piston and rod assemblies. My opinion is the order doesn’t matter, just needs to be done correctly.
Over 55 years of building all types of engines from stock to world class race engines. If you install cam first just lube bearings and rear gear then once installed brush cam lube on lobes from the bottom no crankshaft in the way. Less messy and too easy.

mcgarrett · 07-26-2025, 08:29 AM

In almost all of the videos and TV programs I've watched over the years the builder usually begins by installing the main bearings and crankshaft first and then installing everything else after that. I've followed that same practice and all seems to work out well.

3twinridges · 07-26-2025, 10:03 PM

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Made good progress today. Crankshaft and rear seal in. Glad I plastigauged the main bearings. The rears were a different size than what was listed on the nos box. Had the right size on the shelf so took care of that. 0.0015 clearance across the entire face and it turns over with less than 10lbs torque so the seal doesn’t have it bound up.

The crank pulley spacer sleeve was a really tight fit. I finally got it pressed up on the slinger but I hope I never have to take that off! The sleeve was a NOS part that really polished up nicely, no damage done on the pressing operation. Never have to worry about sleeve rotating freely from the crankshaft.

Oil pump and distributor gear pressed on the cam. Ready for cam installation tomorrow.

JB

07-25-2025, 09:56 AM	#1
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 621	8BA assembly order Got the block painted, oil pump idler gear installed, and main galley tube plugged. What’s the recommended order from here, move into crankshaft or work on valve/cam installation? JB

07-25-2025, 02:49 PM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,556	Re: 8BA assembly order you should probably have the crankshaft in to turn the cam — the valve seats should already be ground before final cleaning and anything installed

07-25-2025, 02:58 PM	#3
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 621	Re: 8BA assembly order That is what I was thinking as well, thank you! JB

07-26-2025, 07:59 AM	#4
KiWinUS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here Posts: 3,264	Re: 8BA assembly order I have assembled them in about every order possible. My opinion is it really doesn’t matter on the order so long as everything works out and you don’t have to back track. I will sometimes install cam and valve assemblies to include setting valve lash clearance and then crank ,piston and rod assemblies. My opinion is the order doesn’t matter, just needs to be done correctly. Over 55 years of building all types of engines from stock to world class race engines. If you install cam first just lube bearings and rear gear then once installed brush cam lube on lobes from the bottom no crankshaft in the way. Less messy and too easy. Last edited by KiWinUS; 07-26-2025 at 11:19 AM.

07-26-2025, 08:29 AM	#5
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Corsicana, Texas Posts: 1,306	Re: 8BA assembly order In almost all of the videos and TV programs I've watched over the years the builder usually begins by installing the main bearings and crankshaft first and then installing everything else after that. I've followed that same practice and all seems to work out well.

07-26-2025, 10:03 PM	#6
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 621	Re: 8BA assembly order Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Made good progress today. Crankshaft and rear seal in. Glad I plastigauged the main bearings. The rears were a different size than what was listed on the nos box. Had the right size on the shelf so took care of that. 0.0015 clearance across the entire face and it turns over with less than 10lbs torque so the seal doesn’t have it bound up. The crank pulley spacer sleeve was a really tight fit. I finally got it pressed up on the slinger but I hope I never have to take that off! The sleeve was a NOS part that really polished up nicely, no damage done on the pressing operation. Never have to worry about sleeve rotating freely from the crankshaft. Oil pump and distributor gear pressed on the cam. Ready for cam installation tomorrow. JB