Just Fishing's 09 Tahoe Build thread

[Just Fishing]

So this is the thrust bearing, the center one in the block? Because i was wondering
way back when about whether or not a new thrust bearing could be rolled in. From what I could read, only the other mains could be rolled in but not the thrust bearing but I could never find a definitive answer. Also i assume you checked end play when you assembled it and it was good?

Yeah, i verified the end play was good when assembled via a dial indicator.
It was perfect.

Right down the middle of the spec.


And i do recall something about the thrust bearing.

I was able to roll it out, but ty.
I have some research to do before i fk it up worse.

The issue is probably that you need to "set" the bearing when installing...

 

[Just Fishing]

and here is one of the images showing how i missed something so obvious.




I ordered new mains, sadly i can't just order the thrust bearing.
I have to order the entire set @ $140

I'm probably going to try and "Roll" it into place, and then see if i can slide hammer the bearing into a nicely seated position.
if i can't get the same clearance i had before, then I'll pull the engine to ensure it's done right.

good news is i have a spare set of head gaskets.
bad news is they are .030 thickness and not the .027 thickness it currently has.

Last i looked, the headgaskets are still out of stock, so i have the only pair of .030 thickness mls gaskets available right now.

 

[Just Fishing]

and i did some reading on the little tab issue.
Sounds like the tabs are just to prevent installer error.
And not actually required for engine assembly in any way.

(Like they don't prevent the bearing from spinning or anything like that)

So the plan is to file the little tab off, assuming the new replacements still have the tab on the wrong side.

Should i remove the engine, it will allow me to do a full disassembly of the engine and cleaning to ensure the engine is totally clean...

And should i pull the engine, then it's super easy to yank the y pipe for my welder to add a new bung to it...


decisions decisions.

 

[Just Fishing]

so i got my new mains today.
Looked at them and noticed they look identical in every way to the toasted ones

and the thrust side is good... meaning i didn't get it backwards!

looks like these bearings have thrust oil grooves on both sides.
the side that got wiped out, has two extra oil grooves...

Yeah so i guess i need to re-verify converter clearance.
Or my new converter is ballooning for some strange reason?

 

[Just Fishing]

i'm also doing a little main bearing mod, apparently you can add a slight bevel on the thrust side only where the two halvs meat.
Mahle says to do it only on the top bearing.
so that's what i'm doing.
it should allow pressurized oil to squirt out onto the thrust bearing surface, vs a slow leak.

 

[Just Fishing]

Sorta clear with this image.

 

[Just Fishing]

 

[Tonyrodz]

I can't imagine how frustrated this must be for you.

 

[Just Fishing]

This crap can never be easy for me.

at least with the oil pan off, i can see the converter and flywheel much better.
so i'll do the backspacing check once more.
I don't think that was the problem...


still, wth!!

I was sorta hoping to find that bearing backwards, while delighted that I didn't do it wrong...
Now i don't have an answer.

And i did manage to roll that bearing in just now.
Lots of lube and a little rotating of the crank to help slide it in...
And i needed a screw driver to move the crank centered while getting it in.

a little fiddly, but not too bad.

Now to hope i get the endplay gtg w/o pulling the engine.

Only thing i can think of would be the transmission pressures, so i'll go back through the tune for good measure...

 

[Rocket Man]

Good to know the thrust bearing can be rolled in like the rest of the mains. Added that to the ol hard drive…