Rookie 3.0 rebuild

[Amstaff]

I have seen this defect several times in this forum. My understanding is that it should not leak but to be positive clean it thoroughly with a small wire brush then clean it with brake cleaner, let it dry and then apply a smooth coating of JB Weld. That seems to be the fix that everyone recommends so I don't see there being an issue with it coming off.

[Amstaff]

Well, today I cleaned the head stud threads. I took an old head stud, cut some slots in it to catch the nasty stuff in the threads.



Then I squared off the other end to fit it into the handle for my tap.







It worked perfect!

[GT2BH]

Nice method, I'm going to borrow it

Did a lot of bad stuff come out?

[Amstaff]

Sure did, lots of junk came out of the hole. As you run the "tap" down the hole you break up all the old Locktite. Some metal came out but it was mostly Locktite.

[rennch]

Great thread. I'd like to do one someday.

[Amstaff]

I know I am really slow but one thing I have learned is that building the engine takes time and you really need to be patient. Everything is ready to go to get the short block together. I just need to have the crank polished and I am ready to put the case back together.

I recently got a pair of 964 cams, plastigage and more sealant.

Hope to get an update soon with the short block going together.

[Amstaff]

More goodies are here. New chain ramps and although I have already installed the old rings I have decided to attempt to hone my cylinders and install new rings. My crank goes to JB Racing Tuesday for polishing so I should be assembling the short block next weekend.

[Amstaff]

[Amstaff]

Installed the oil pump today. Also installed the two chain rails on the right hand side of the block. Long side goes toward the gears and the lonely brown ramp goes on the bottom right hand side nearest to the crankshaft. I opted to mark my bolts with a dab of red paint so that I know which bolts are torqued and which are not.








Hope installing the pump doesn't interfere with plastigaging the crank.

[robbieracer]

This is a great post! I maybe purchasing a 81' this weekend, the owner mentioned a knock, so not sure what is wrong but know it'll have to be cheap if engine work is needed. Thanks!

[Amstaff]

Crank was polished by Jim at JB Racing today. Miked it and said it looked excellent. A quick polish and it is ready to go. Lots of work still to do. Crank needs to be cleaned, plastigage the mains then rods and it should be ready for at least the short block assembly.

[Amstaff]

Installed all of the bearings and checked crank clearance with plastigage. All mains checked in right around 3 thousandths.

Next will be checking the rods to the crank. Still haven't figured out how to hold the rod still while tightening the bolt.

[Gordo2]

Originally Posted by Amstaff

...Still haven't figured out how to hold the rod still while tightening the bolt.

Here's how I went about it Checking Connecting Rod Bearing Clearances With Plastigage

Looking good.

Gordo

[Amstaff]

Thanks Gordon. I am going to attack it tomorrow evening

[Amstaff]

Well, planned on checking rods to crank tonight but guess what? No 12 point 13mm socket. Off to HF tomorrow!

[toddu]

Originally Posted by Amstaff

Crank was polished by Jim at JB Racing today. Miked it and said it looked excellent. A quick polish and it is ready to go. Lots of work still to do. Crank needs to be cleaned, plastigage the mains then rods and it should be ready for at least the short block assembly.

Great guys at JB Racing!!

Todd

[Amstaff]

Got the 12 mm socket and ready to go but guess what? The rod bearings were the wrong size. They will be sent back Monday for replacement.

I guess this is where the patience part comes in.

Patience grasshopper

[Amstaff]

Started with the bottom one working my way up

[Amstaff]

Checked them all with a stretch gauge but it worked horribly wobbling all over and it wouldn't stay on without holding it so I dropped back and punted using the torque method. Burnished the threads by torquing them three time. I also used the ARP lube.

[Amstaff]

So, got them all installed. Next step... Short block assembly.

Made sure all of the rod numbers were matched correctly and that they were all on the same side.