chevtruknut

WOW, Here we go again with a weird one. We got the engine pulled out (the kids thought that was really fun!), and when I pulled the oil pan, then the windage tray, guess what I found? Four thrust bearing pieces, and only one on the #2 crank journal. The extras have me puzzled for two reasons..1) they are VERY torn up like they have been "floating around" in the pan getting hammered. 2) everywhere I look I only see one set (presumably of two) not two sets?? I know someone out there has done this motor before 3VZE, and would know this. I have access to Mitchells online and they don't shed any light on this?? PLEASE HELP ME HERE. I am thinking someone left the old thrust bearing in the engine??? (would explain the lower end noise on an engine w/15K) or am I just missing something here. The rest looks great (only has 15K documented on the rebuild, so it should look OK!) Please help me/us on this one. If ANYONE has had one of these apart you will know what it is. P.S. 3VZE motor out of a 92 4R. Thanks again. Brad P.S. I am a newbie to this forum, so if this is better somewhere else please let me know.

Cyberman

If you're talking about thrust washers, there are supposed to be four (2 upper and 2 lower). They go into the grooves on the No. 2 main bearings.

chevtruknut

WELL, that is sort of a revolting development. I can see they are toast. I will have to do more searching for "collateral damage" from them coming apart. Can you say crap...total rebuild time? I was hoping to put a new set of bearings 9and perhaps a crank polish) but it looks like it may go deeper. THANKS A TON FOR YOUR HELP..AWESOME FORUM SITE. We just picked this one up (at least it was free and in GREAT shape otherwise). It has become a project for my auto tech students at the HS (I am the teacher) Thanks Again. Brad

Cyberman

Good Luck. My truck was free too (along with the blown engine).

chevtruknut

Well, you know the saying, "there's no such thing as a free horse", applies to cars even more I find! Thanks again, I am now reading some threads on the rebuild of a 3VZE. Brad