Cranking on.

It is good to be actually putting things back together. However some more taking apart has also been required.

I had been thinking about if to replaced the riveted mud shield on the front crank seal with screws of not, but in the process of removing the extremely hard and brittle seal I decided that I would make life easier for the future. I am now waiting on the screws.

With that on hold I put the core plugs into the block – including the two at the rear which are slightly awkward due to the engine stand.

Next step was to get the crank back in. First up the lower shells (new) with plenty of assembly lube, followed by the crank itself.

With the crank in, it was quickly onto the other half of the bearings which meant having to fit the t-seals into the fifth (rear) block. I had soaked the seals in oil and it was fiddly getting them lined up in the block – seeming too wide and difficult to stretch in. I managed to get them in and then time to fit the bearing block into the block.

I had invested in the correct tool and I am glad I did as it was still tricky to get it going in straight.

I have tightened all the bolts but not torqued them yet. I’ll leave it to settle a little and let the seal contract back if it wants before trimming it.