The Ford Barn

TimTheEmchanter · 02-25-2025, 02:22 PM

Hi All,

I’ve been working on a rebuild of an engine and went through and check the main bearing clearances and everything was generally okay, inspec. I started check rod bearing clearances and they actually seemed better than the mains, and I started installing them #4 -> #1. I would check rotation on the crank with pistons in, there was a good amount of resistance, maybe 35-40ftlbs. I install the first piston and the motor completely locks up. Shim it twice with .003 on both sides and still locked up. Not sure what to do at this point? Keep shimming or maybe shim the front main? The piston moves up and down in the cylinder just fine when I disconnect from the crank so I’m confused at this point and need help lol

02-25-2025, 02:22 PM	#1
TimTheEmchanter Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 6	Engine Tight After Installing Piston Hi All, I’ve been working on a rebuild of an engine and went through and check the main bearing clearances and everything was generally okay, inspec. I started check rod bearing clearances and they actually seemed better than the mains, and I started installing them #4 -> #1. I would check rotation on the crank with pistons in, there was a good amount of resistance, maybe 35-40ftlbs. I install the first piston and the motor completely locks up. Shim it twice with .003 on both sides and still locked up. Not sure what to do at this point? Keep shimming or maybe shim the front main? The piston moves up and down in the cylinder just fine when I disconnect from the crank so I’m confused at this point and need help lol