Hey guys its me again with yet another question. I am taking my short block apart to get cleaning at a machine shop and I am in the process of removing the main bearing caps. I have removed all except for the rear main bearing cap, the one the oil pump mounts to. This one is being a real pain to remove unlike the others and I was wondering if I was doing something wrong? Maybe there is another way it must be removed instead of prying it loose?

 

Caps can be a pain to get off. Is this a 2 pc rear main block? The rear main seal is usually installed with some silicone around the split line join which can seep into the bearing cap splitline and kinda glue it down. May have to try prying loose gently. I smack mine with a rubber mallet to kinda budge it loose

 

Yeah I believe it is a 2pc rear seal. Its a 010 block and those were in production until 1980 i believe so it would be a 2pc rear seal. I just wanted to be cautious because I was always told that if something would go, don't force it.

 

Just use a rubber mallet or deadblow hammer. You'l get it off without damaging it that way.

 

Hmm ill have to try the rubber mallet in that case. Thanks again guys.

 

Rubber mallet? Way too gentle. I use my brass hammer.

 

Brass works too

 

Or, a REAL MAN'S BFH, with a block of wood as padding.

 

I use the bolts for leverage.

Pull them out and pull them sideways to pop the cap loose.

 

Thanks for the fast responses guys. Finally got that stubborn thing off and got the engine sent to a machine shop. Now I just have to hope that the starter on the old engine will work on the new one going in.

 

Depends on bolt pattern, fitment if youre using headers, and the compression ration of the new engine.

 

Yes very true, I had a 305 in my 86 iroc, now the block I am using for my rebuild is a 010 block. I hope everything lines up, If not worse case scenario I just have to buy a new starter?

 

Im not sure what the bolt pattern on that block is, but if this is a performance high compression eninge then youll need a new one, or a mini starter if using headers. They arent that expensive

 

Hmmm Not sure, I do know that the engine has flat top pistons and I am using a set of 601 heads on the 350. So I may need a new starter anyways.

 

Id get one either way, itll be worth it

 

True true, thanks for all your help!

 

"Hope" is not a very effective plan.

Be smart: have the hole drilled that your block is probably missing, BEFORE dropping the motor in. Best to have it done while it's getting bored etc. and is already at the machine shop.