Main caps question

[bvlahov]

I've acquired a second block for my engine (since my original block can't be repaired). Problem is that this block wasn't assembled when I got it and now I don't know main caps positions.

Is there any way to identify main caps position?
If I switch their positions, is align honing a must?

 

[grumpyvette]

if you have a magnifying glass and the hone mark scratches are clearly visible, youll be able to use those micros scratch lines to match the caps to the saddles in the block, sometimes wetting the caps and block saddles with WD40 and a strong light sources helps, you might need to use solvent like carburator cleaner to see the hone scratch marks clearly.
youll still need to measure and see if the bearing bores are concentric but the micro scratches pattern will usually allow you to identify which caps go where, if you can,t then its time to get the block machined

once you get the caps identified correctly STAMP/NUMBER THEM with a stamp on both the oil pan rail and cap it self next to each location, location and the direction each main cap faces must be obvious and numbered so you can,t install them in the wrong location or facing the wrong direction.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=35122

 

[bvlahov]

Thanks. I've identified some of the caps, they have numbers stamped on them, but
they are really poorly visible. I'll double check with your method.

Thanks for the tip.