Pull crank

[opto]

Would it be possible to pull the crank from underneath. I'm planning a re-ring job and would like to keep block in truck but still change main bearings

[NH2112]

I don't think it'll be any less work than if you pulled the engine out, because you'll have to slide the tranny back to remove the flywheel/flexplate, plus work flat on your back, have limited clearance to take the front of the engine apart, etc. Pulling the hood and radiator to get the engine out and on a stand will save you more time in the long run.

[john8662]

Exactly what Phil said!!!

Pull the engine, you can't remove the pistons from the bottom side anyways, they HAVE to come out the top or deck side.

So, pull the engine, place it on a stand, and get to work, it's not even possible inside the chassis.

[BobND]

Originally posted by opto:
I'm planning a re-ring job and would like to keep block in truck but still change main bearings The main bearings can be changed quite easily with the crank in place.

[NH2112]

Actually, about 6 years ago I did an in-chassis re-ring job on a GM 181 in a forklift and took the pistons out the bottom of the engine. Come to think of it, I did the same thing when I rebuilt an IH 304 about 15 years ago - just took the crank out and used a wooden hammer handle to knock the pistons & rods out the bottom of the cylinders.

If you don't have low compression I personally wouldn't bother re-ringing, and if you're going to re-ring you might as well have a complete valve job done. If all you really need to do is change main bearings, you can do like BobND said and do it in-chassis simply by pulling 1 main cap at a time, pushing the old upper bearing shell out by sliding the new one in, then putting the new one in the cap and torquing it down. Make sure to inspect the bottom shell first, though, for signs of scuffing, dirt, wear, etc. You can only Plastigauge the bottom bearing shell this way, though, if you had planned on it.

[arveetek]

I agree with the others. It's much, much simpler to pull the whole engine and do the work on a stand. If you're just doing bearings, then I can see leaving it in the truck, and as was mentioned, you can change the bearings and leave the crank in place. But for pulling all the pistons and installing new rings, you're actually going to save yourself trouble by pulling the engine. Everytime you start to drop a piston in, you'll have to crawl back underneath the truck. Even if you have a helper, you're more likely to get dirt and crud in the bearings when installing the pistons.

I started to do an in-frame overhaul one time on a '70 C/10 with a 250 straight six gasser. That was a very simple, easy to work on engine. After pulling the head and a couple of pistons, I chose to go ahead and pull the block and finish the work inside the garage. I didn't even have a stand, just sat the block on it's end on the floor. That was back when I was 16...used a chain hoist and homemade A-frame to pull the engine. Had to hoist the engine out, then slide the truck out from underneath, then lower the engine down onto a dolly, move it into the garage....and then do the reverse for installation. Still was better off than trying to do an in-frame job.

Once you have the heads off, there's not much left in the way in pulling the engine out anyway. Plus, you can do a more accurate head bolt torque with the engine out.

You can rent the appropiate engine hoist and engine stand for not much money if you don't already have those tools.

Good luck!

Casey

[opto]

OK

Thanks I see your points.
Thing was I wanted to do just smallish ovarhaul, cause if I take the engine out then it's going to be more costly because I will think "I'll better do this and that while it's already out" and also it feels like it will be out of service for a longer period of time

[5.7L oldsdiesel]

Like the guys said above,its much better to remove the engine and bolt it to an engine stand.At least you'll do a better job on re-assembly.You'll have a better view on everything with it on a stand.Impossible in the vehicle.Have the block cleaned by the machine shop,and you'll have a great building block to start with.With a clean engine block to start with,you'll do a great job.