Originally posted by shueman
What kind of clearance should I have between the piston and head? Anyone have some tips on how to install the crank and bearings without throwing the crank out of alignment? I have a press.
shueman.
Not sure what the recommended clearance is but, you should have enough when you add the head gasket.
In regard to installing the crank. DON'T USE A PRESS!
Something that works pretty good is to install both main bearings on the crank and seat them all the way down. Then take a torch and evenly heat one half of the engine cases. When the case is heated to the point where a drop of water will sizzle against the case, take the crank and drop it in the case. If the crank does not go all the way in, take it back out and reheat the case and do it again. Don't force it or press it in.
After that case has cooled down, apply your gasket sealer and heat the other case half. When it is hot enough, carefully and evenly set it down over the crank and gear shafts and using a rubber, plastic or rawhide hammer, tap the cases together. If they don't go all the way together or bind in any way, push them back apart and do it again.
Be very careful when heating the cases, it doesn't take very much heat to melt aluminum. If you don't have a torch, you can use an oven. The only drawback to using an oven is making up a good excuse for when the lady of the house asks, " Why do my chocolate chip cookies taste like two stroke oil?" :confused:
Just my $ .02