forwardtocharis

I'm in the process of changing out my engine bearings with the crank in.
I've been having trouble getting the upper main bearings in. I had loosened up all the main bearing journals and then read that using the oil feeder hole on the crank with a cotter pin was a good idea. This requires turning the crank.
If I remember correctly from changing my head gasket, the crank was not all that difficult to turn. I think I did it with a 3/8 ratchet last time.
This time, I maxed out my 150 ft/lbs torque wrench and then switch to my lighter, 18" breaker bar. I was able to move it a tiny bit, but not enough to help (just a couple of degrees).
Obviously the oil has been drained, but I can't image that is the problem
The journals are all still loose.
I don't want to keep cranking on it like that, something doesn't seem right. I also put both the transmission (5-spd) and the t-case in neutral. I can't think of anything else, so I'm hoping you call can help me, it's already been too long since I've driven my truck!
Thanks!

camo31_10.50

i had the same problem when i first got my 22r rebuilt...but now i cant remember what the problem was.....

forwardtocharis

I've poped off all the spark plugs to, in case the pressure from inside the pistons was the problem, still no good :/

Adam F

Stupid question maybe, but do you have the trans in neutral?

Crap, nevermind, you said it was.

(there needs to be a delete post button)

forwardtocharis

Yup, it's in neutral,spark plugs out, won't hardly budge
Anybody?? I really need to get this done

Adam F

Could the bering journals be binding since you loosened them?

forwardtocharis

I'm not entirely sure what you mean... none of the journals are touching the crank at this point.
I have my first upper bearing about 1/4 of the way in (as far as I could get it by hand), it's in the number 2 journal.
I'm replacing the old bearings with standard size bearings, the pastigauge head read about .05 across the crank, which is within standard tolerance.