Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-24-2013, 07:36 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
eblove911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: arkansas
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 camaro rs "Fuego"
Engine: 350 vortec
Transmission: 700r4with tci lock up
Axle/Gears: 2.78
NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

I recently bought a 1990 camaro rs with a 305 tbi 5.0 motor in it. I repaired it when the guy ( a friend of my brother in law) first bought it. It's a small town in Arkansas where they just paint and priss up their cars and race them. Well he sold me the car for $370 bc a tapping noise. Brother in law vouched it was maybe the tensioner so I bought it. After it was delivered I went to see my new purchase. Started the car and loud knock like a rod to me. So I bought a O'reilly's standard crankshaft kit. I removed the starter, the exhaust y pipe, distributer cap, water pump, timing cover and chain, then I lifted the motor using a floor jack on the blanacer to drop the oil pan, after removing the oil pan I noticed that the front two main bearings looked spun... so now I need to figure out how to remove the connecting rods and other two main bearing caps. I can't take crank gear off so maybe I will replace it? The car is on ramps,ready to b finished, I know a hoist would've been easier to remove the motor however I don't have any of that. not a engine stand, picker, none of that. it's possible to do this job I just need help to figure out how to remove the crank and caps and connecting rod caps, and to install the new one. Also the cylinder walls aren't scored or anything. This is my first time doing this. Please I need help.

Last edited by eblove911; 03-24-2013 at 07:39 PM. Reason: spelling correction
Old 03-24-2013, 07:54 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
TraviZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Woodland, CA
Posts: 10,494
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: '02 Z06
Engine: L33 5.7
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Stock IRS
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

You are doing this really wrong but to entertain you I will help you. Go ahead and remove your transmission, the whole thing. Your crankshaft bolts to your flexplate/clutch and will not drop without unbolting that as well. So remove your transmission so you can unbolt your flexplate/clutch. Remove your front pulley and harmonic balancer. Remove your timing cover and remove your timing chain. The timing gear can remain pressed on. Remove your intake manifold. Remove your cylinder heads. Unbolt your connecting rods at the crank and push them out with the pistons out the top of your motor. Now with some magic, raise the motor high enough that you can safely remove the main caps and support the 70 pound crankshaft from falling and crushing your skull. It will be tough to wiggle out that crank between the motor and your K-member. Careful not to scratch the journals. Replace main bearings. Installation is reverse of removal.
Old 03-24-2013, 08:20 PM
  #3  
Member
 
basiccamaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

You do know that all of that ground up bearing material and burned away crank metal is circulated all through the engine and in all of the very small and lengthy passages like behind the cam bearings, just waiting to contaminate new oil and tear everything back up again. Don't you?
Old 03-24-2013, 08:20 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
sofakingdom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,029
Received 1,663 Likes on 1,261 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

It's SUPER EEEEEZY to change the crank with the engine in the car.

All you gotta do, is take the motor out of the car first.
Old 03-24-2013, 08:30 PM
  #5  
Member

iTrader: (1)
 
AutoRoc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Michigan!
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Engine: Vortec 4200 Inline 6 PT70 Turbo..
Transmission: 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

I'd flip the car upside down or at least on its side as far as possible...


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4...AutoRepair.jpg

Last edited by AutoRoc; 03-24-2013 at 08:34 PM.
Old 03-25-2013, 08:03 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
TraviZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Woodland, CA
Posts: 10,494
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: '02 Z06
Engine: L33 5.7
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Stock IRS
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Originally Posted by AutoRoc
I'd flip the car upside down or at least on its side as far as possible...


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4...AutoRepair.jpg
If I could 'like' this or +1 I would.
Old 03-25-2013, 08:50 AM
  #7  
Senior Member

iTrader: (4)
 
kentuckyKITT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 854
Received 104 Likes on 76 Posts
Car: 3 T-Tops
Engine: 327/305/305
Transmission: TH350/700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42/2:73
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Call around to some rental places. I know of 5 near me that rent engine hoists. You can buy an engine stand for about 70-80 at the auto parts stores. They are not made very well, but will hold a 305, or you can get your local welding shop to weld it right (like I did), but it will hold a 305 with heads and intake on it regardless. Get the engine out of the car, but put the oil pan back on it first. You are never going to accomplish the task of changing the crank with the engine in there and have satisfying results. Honestly, that whole block will have to be gone through with the kind of damage you suspect has happened. You are better off getting another running 305 and dropping it in. I wouldn't waste ANY money building or rebuilding a 305. You could probably score one running in great condition for 300 or less. I have two myself and one is a vortec motor both sitting on stands.
Old 03-26-2013, 05:19 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
iTrader: (-1)
 
Brando5641's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Siloam Springs AR.
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1998 Trans/Am, 1989 RS Camaro
Engine: LS1, LQ9 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 2.73, 2.73
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Old 03-26-2013, 11:05 AM
  #9  
Member

 
ksith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: bremerton
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 trans am
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi 3:27
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

can i just chime in here. get a 350 they can be found just as cheap in running condition as a 305. it'll bolt right in without any mods and you will get more bang for your buck then a 305. since you will have to pull the engine to remove the crank and take the block in to get cleaned out. mine as well go the 350 route.
Old 03-26-2013, 11:41 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
G92Bill's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: Carb Sbc 350
Transmission: Built 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2000 camaro 10 bolt/ 3.42
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Just do a 350 swap.

Last edited by G92Bill; 03-26-2013 at 11:50 AM.
Old 03-26-2013, 11:50 AM
  #11  
Junior Member
 
G92Bill's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: Carb Sbc 350
Transmission: Built 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2000 camaro 10 bolt/ 3.42
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

I agree with the above^^
Old 03-26-2013, 06:07 PM
  #12  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (4)
 
InfernalVortex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Macon, GA
Posts: 6,485
Received 20 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

There's no way this is going to end well. Good luck.
Old 03-26-2013, 09:09 PM
  #13  
Member

 
ksith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: bremerton
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 trans am
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi 3:27
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

it can end well. if he does it right
Old 03-26-2013, 09:38 PM
  #14  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (4)
 
InfernalVortex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Macon, GA
Posts: 6,485
Received 20 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

You're not going to be able to properly clean the block and address the damage on the mains by leaving it bolted to the car. If he spun main bearings that thing needs to be align honed at least, if not complete scrapping.
Old 03-26-2013, 09:53 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
jas2730's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Romney, WV
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Car: 89 IROC Z/88 IROC Vert
Engine: 350c.i./305c.i.
Transmission: 700R4/T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42/4.10
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

And now you've been Introduced to the members of TGO. Lmao!
Old 03-26-2013, 10:24 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member
 
zraffz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sussex County, NJ
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 1994 Z28
Engine: 355 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR



In all seriousness with the addition of everything else mentioned how do you plan on measuring any tolerances with the motor in the car? It seems like a horrible idea to even attempt. Even to change an oil pan it's usually easier to pull it out.
Old 03-26-2013, 10:30 PM
  #17  
Member

 
Rob's 92 gta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: newport news va.
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 firebird gta
Engine: L98 with minor mods.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

I wouldn't try to do it in the car like everyone said you can't clean the oil passages that could have metal in them. If you spun a bearing you may need to get the rods resized and the block line honed to make sure everthing is ok. I would hate to see someone lose the money they have spent on the parts. Try to rent what you need or find a running motor.
Old 03-26-2013, 11:58 PM
  #18  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
TraviZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Woodland, CA
Posts: 10,494
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: '02 Z06
Engine: L33 5.7
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Stock IRS
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

I pulled my motor today in 2 hours with a hoist. Just go buy a damn hoist or rent/borrow one!
Attached Thumbnails NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR-544276_442828652461476_1028459211_n.jpg   NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR-599570_442828605794814_72835937_n.jpg   NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR-8029_442828495794825_1997692347_n.jpg  
Old 03-27-2013, 01:14 AM
  #19  
Supreme Member

 
novaderrik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Howard Lake, MN
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 86 Camaro
Engine: 355- hopefully a 5.3 this summer
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

yeah, pull the motor... it's the only way to do it...
then you might as well just get a different motor to put back in, because just slapping a crank kit in it is one hell of a crap shoot.. how are you going to measure the main and rod bores to make sure they are still round and in spec? how are you going to clean all the metal out of all the oil passages in the block and heads?
Old 03-31-2013, 09:19 PM
  #20  
Supreme Member
 
zraffz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sussex County, NJ
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 1994 Z28
Engine: 355 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

An engine hoist is not expensive. Shipping usually kills the deal from buying anything online. I recently picked up one from a mason block yard (the old style ones that are heavy duty and reach into any engine bay) for $80. It needed paint and a hoist. $49 later for a 8 ton hoist from Jegs, a can of Rustoleum and a few hours of my time disassembling/grinding/painting/assembling I had a new engine hoist.

For the price of freight shipping alone I got a new engine stand that is better than 99% of the ones you can buy. Look around, their are deals everywhere.
Old 04-28-2013, 05:13 PM
  #21  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
eblove911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: arkansas
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 camaro rs "Fuego"
Engine: 350 vortec
Transmission: 700r4with tci lock up
Axle/Gears: 2.78
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Originally Posted by zraffz
An engine hoist is not expensive. Shipping usually kills the deal from buying anything online. I recently picked up one from a mason block yard (the old style ones that are heavy duty and reach into any engine bay) for $80. It needed paint and a hoist. $49 later for a 8 ton hoist from Jegs, a can of Rustoleum and a few hours of my time disassembling/grinding/painting/assembling I had a new engine hoist.

For the price of freight shipping alone I got a new engine stand that is better than 99% of the ones you can buy. Look around, their are deals everywhere.
I went to the city auction and they had a hoist amd a 2 ton jack I got both for $40 pulled the motor in no time...I bought the crank kit ut after getting motor out decided to put a 350 in found one on craigslist out of a 89' truck but originally came from a camaro for $450 delivered with free headers. casting #10054727??? so I want to build it to 400hp tbi based off a build i saw chump change challenge in a magazine. budget $1500 i have another thread any input would be great as for pulling motor in the engine bay follow up....its attached to flywheel and a bracket under to hold rear seal u have to pull it I was just too stubborn but I wanted to follow up and update everyone. Dont try in the car crank removal lol
Old 04-28-2013, 11:44 PM
  #22  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (4)
 
InfernalVortex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Macon, GA
Posts: 6,485
Received 20 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR

Keep in mind those magazine numbers are gross horsepower numbers without accessories. That's how you make everything look impressive in the articles. These motors dont turn their own water pumps, alternators, power steering pumps, have ridiculous headers, dont have to worry about hood clearance when choosing intake manifolds, and are measured at the flywheel.

This is VERY different from the factory method of rating horsepower, which is through stock exhaust, with all accessories, at the flywheel.

400hp in a magazine is more like 300 in the real world.

Just focus on getting decent parts that work well together. Im not so sold on the TBI, but if that's what you got, you should at least try to make it work. Good luck to you.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
customblackbird
Suspension and Chassis
4
08-15-2021 10:16 PM
Terrell351
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
5
06-13-2021 01:13 PM
midge54
LTX and LSX
21
12-27-2019 04:14 PM
kyleb24
Camaros for Sale
2
08-15-2015 08:24 AM
89mulletbird
Southern California Area
0
08-10-2015 10:16 AM



Quick Reply: NEED HELP WITH Crankshaft change WHILE IN CAR



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:44 AM.