390 Build
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
Block
That a small pin and stick in the pit to see how deep it is, if it's not very deep I wouldn't worry about it.
Crank
That wont hurt anything, I've put several engines together with small gouges like that and never had any problems.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
Well, moving forward with the assembly. A certain well respected FE builder concurs with the few replies of advice.
Main Bearings plastigauged to be in spec. Hope to get the crank lubed up and installed Thursday night. Might actually get the slugs in this weekend, but still need to size the rings and plastigauge the rod bearings.
Main Bearings plastigauged to be in spec. Hope to get the crank lubed up and installed Thursday night. Might actually get the slugs in this weekend, but still need to size the rings and plastigauge the rod bearings.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
Short update: installed the crank over the weekend and began prepping the rods and pistons. I plastigauged one of the rods with the crank out of the motor. I would have like to do have done a rod on each journal, but the task was difficult and risky not to nick the journal pulling the rod apart.
Ended up needing to buy a specialized tool to install the spiral wrist pin retainers...thanks KB... I do know that these can be installed by hand, but I'd sleep better with an install tool.
Next steps, while waiting for the new tool, file rings to size, coat the oil pan (looks like I'm going to just go plan old POR black), clean up the pan bolts, look at dress up ones for the timing cover bolts, and clean up the wrist pins that have some light corrosion from the last month.
Ended up needing to buy a specialized tool to install the spiral wrist pin retainers...thanks KB... I do know that these can be installed by hand, but I'd sleep better with an install tool.
Next steps, while waiting for the new tool, file rings to size, coat the oil pan (looks like I'm going to just go plan old POR black), clean up the pan bolts, look at dress up ones for the timing cover bolts, and clean up the wrist pins that have some light corrosion from the last month.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
I've never seen nor heard of a special tool for installing spiral lock rings, but I've never looked for one. You push the end of the ring into the pistons wrist pin retaining groove and slowing press each layer into the groove in a winding motion until the entire ring is in the groove.
Tru Arc lock rings are installed with snap ring pliers and standard lock rings can be installed with needle nose pliers.
Edit: Just looked up the lock in tool, neat little tool for $25 and if it makes one feel better about the install it's worth it. The down side is it's $25 for a tool that you'll probably never use again. I've installed enough spiral locks over the years by hand that it's second nature to me, so to me the tool is more of a money gimmick than an actually needed tool.
Just my .02
Tru Arc lock rings are installed with snap ring pliers and standard lock rings can be installed with needle nose pliers.
Edit: Just looked up the lock in tool, neat little tool for $25 and if it makes one feel better about the install it's worth it. The down side is it's $25 for a tool that you'll probably never use again. I've installed enough spiral locks over the years by hand that it's second nature to me, so to me the tool is more of a money gimmick than an actually needed tool.
Just my .02
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
These are spiral, definitely not snap rings. That would be too easy.
I'm sketched about pulling them apart and then using a screw driver to get them in. Call me nuts, just not the sort of thing I'd like to "learn" on.
Yeah, sucks to buy a tool for one time use, wouldn't be the first time. Yet, I've learned having the right tool for a job can make all the difference.
I'll probably turn around and sell on ebay- hopefully, maybe for more than I spent, lol. Realistically, it does bug. I'll probably never need for this size pin again. My next build is a much smaller engine, doubtful to have 0.975" pins.
I'm sketched about pulling them apart and then using a screw driver to get them in. Call me nuts, just not the sort of thing I'd like to "learn" on.
Yeah, sucks to buy a tool for one time use, wouldn't be the first time. Yet, I've learned having the right tool for a job can make all the difference.
I'll probably turn around and sell on ebay- hopefully, maybe for more than I spent, lol. Realistically, it does bug. I'll probably never need for this size pin again. My next build is a much smaller engine, doubtful to have 0.975" pins.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
Thanks for sharing the video. I did watch that one when I was looking up methods for installing spiral locks. The tool probably comes in more handy for doing lots of locks.
I'm a little leery of the first step, stretching the lock out. Call me nuts, but risking overstretching the spring has me bothered. I'm almost certain I'll be able to re-sell the tool for near what I paid for it.
Here's a different video to consider...at least the music is better.
I'm a little leery of the first step, stretching the lock out. Call me nuts, but risking overstretching the spring has me bothered. I'm almost certain I'll be able to re-sell the tool for near what I paid for it.
Here's a different video to consider...at least the music is better.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
Didn't stretch the springs and didn't use a screw driver, push one end into the grove with my finger and rolled them in. None of it matters since from what I've read I believe the tool is already on the way so let us know how it does.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
Yes, the tool was already ordered before I received much for responses. It came in just a few days after ordering. I get to try it out later today.
Gapped the rings yesterday, that was a slow exercise of patience. I should get the pistons and rods assembled today, with the rings. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to get the slugs in.
Anyone have experience with "dress up" bolts. I ask because the timing cover and valve covers are polished. Gardner-Wescott has a nice set, but it's for the entire motor. I'm not sure if I need that much bling overkill. Constructive ideas? I ended up buying Edelbrock's intake bolt kit for the intake.
Gapped the rings yesterday, that was a slow exercise of patience. I should get the pistons and rods assembled today, with the rings. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to get the slugs in.
Anyone have experience with "dress up" bolts. I ask because the timing cover and valve covers are polished. Gardner-Wescott has a nice set, but it's for the entire motor. I'm not sure if I need that much bling overkill. Constructive ideas? I ended up buying Edelbrock's intake bolt kit for the intake.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
For what this kit cost use the ones you want and save the others or paint them.
GW 56253HS Ford FE 390 428 Stainless Steel Engine Bolt Kit | eBay
GW 56253HS Ford FE 390 428 Stainless Steel Engine Bolt Kit | eBay