Main Bearing caps - Not an exchangable item !!!

[C Sherriff]

Message text written by "Jim Buell"

>My first message may not have gone out, so this may be a repeat - sorry.

I am in need of a set of main bearing caps for an XPAG (TC) block. If you have a set you are willing to part with please contact me off list. Thanks Jim Buell

[Badger]

> I am in need of a set of main bearing caps for an XPAG (TC) block. > Jim

Buell > ============================================

[Robert Grunau]

Clive is sort of correct, the caps are not readily interchangeable. Badger is his useful self suggesting finding blocks to fit caps etc. The real truth is bastard caps can be made to work fairly easily on an XPAG block. First step is to fit the caps to the block and check the step in the crankshaft bore between block and cap. Measure or estimate the bore step and note which side it is on, then move the cap sideways to reduce/eliminate the step. Aim for no step between the cap and the block. This will require grinding/milling material off one side of the cap edge where it sits into the block recess. When you get the bores fairly close with minimal or no step, add a sheet metal shim to the cap edge on the opposite side so the cap is again located securely in the block recess. Braze the sheet metal shim to the side of the cap. Or, use a small set screw or pin to hold the shim in place. You may possibly have to elongate/enlarge the main bearing stud holes in the cap to allow it to slide across to match the bearing bore. The "new" cap is now located sideways by the block recess and fits tightly into the recess. Now take the block to a good machine shop and get the final line boring done removing minimal material from the block. Moving the cap sideways greatly reduces the final line bore amount. Using this method can save a rare T type block. Another option is to mess about with only the rear cap which has the oil return lip and cork seal recess. Hard to replicate this cap. Get the rear cap to match the block. Then make new steel front and center main caps as a new pair with undersized bore. Fit all caps to the block and get the block line bored removing minimal material from the block. Install bearing pins in the new caps as required. Remember to relieve the center main cap outer edges to allow the trust bearing flange to clear. Match mark the caps to the block so they can be reinstalled in the same orientation the next time you or the next custodian takes the engine apart. It works, Frank Mount and I are running/building TC race engines using blocks with bastard caps. I would surely rather have a TC with a bastard set of caps on a TC block than a replacement TD/TF engine. It just makes it right. Bob Grunau I am in need of a set of main bearing caps for an XPAG (TC) block. If you have a set you are willing to part with please contact me off list. Thanks Jim Buellhttp://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.323 / Virus Database: 180 - Release Date: 2/8/02

[C Sherriff]

Message text written by INTERNET:cgrunau@pathcom.com

>Clive is sort of correct, the caps are not readily interchangeable. Badger

is his useful self suggesting finding blocks to fit caps etc. The real truth is bastard caps can be made to work fairly easily on an XPAG block. Some of these caps are way off when you put thim in another block - proceed with great caution if you are playing this dangerous game!! ! Clive