Thrust Bearing fit

[dsmd1]

Hey guys,

I was assembling my 6-bolt bottom end today and I have a question regarding the fitment of the thrust bearing. Being a 6-bolt it has the two piece bearing and it fits snugly into the block and main cap. However, the actual thrust surface (part of the bearing that wraps around block/main cap) has about a 2 thousandths of an inch movement side to side. I verified that I had the grooves all lined up and it still has a little movement.

I have assembled hundreds of V8s, be it chev, ford or dodge over the years and have never had a thrust bearing fit this way, is it just a Mitsubishi thing? The bearing surface does not show any signs of a spun bearing so I'm not sure!

Any insight would be appreciated!

Ryan

 

[donniekak]

First, check the thrust face of the block, and center main cap to make sure the block hasn't crankwalked before, and the thrust face is chewed up. If it's ok, torque the mains to about 15-20ft/lbs and strike the flywheel flange of the crank with a deadblow, then torque the mains the rest of the way.

 

[dsmd1]

Yea there is no markings on the thrust surface to make me think it has been crankwalked before. I bolted everything down and measured the crank end play and it is well within spec (a little on the tight side maybe.) I also plasti-guaged all the main bearings and they are all perfect. Crank turns real nice and smooth in the block. Just worried about that little movement. I also aligned the thrust the same way you described.

From that information do you think it will be okay?