Crankshaft install tips? - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• Crankshaft install tips? by b1rdjx88 on 06 Apr, 2007 11:10
• I am installing my aaz crank with new bearings this weekend and I'm wondering if there  are any pitfalls to watch out for?  I have never done this  before
  
  Specifically I am wondering:
  
  -Must the bearing shells be aligned in the caps and block bores somehow or can I just eyeball it?
  
  -Bearing to block and bearing to cap surfaces should be dry, correct?
  
  -Bolts go in dry?
  
  -Is it okay to use a bit of motor oil to adhere the thrust bearings to the block while I drop the crank in?
  
  
  My plan is to put it in, check clearances with plastigage, spread some oil on the journal surfaces, seat the thrust bearings by prying forward / backward and then torque it down incrementally on all bolts.  I'm using new bolts.  Anything else?
  
  Thanks,
  Alan
• #1 by SMOKEYDUB on 06 Apr, 2007 11:20
• the bearings will align there selves they have little tabs on them for that and the bearing will hold itself in because it is actually slightly bigger then the block. becareful and good luck..
• #2 by myke_w on 06 Apr, 2007 13:57
• Quote from:

  
  My plan is to put it in, check clearances with plastigage, spread some oil on the journal surfaces, seat the thrust bearings by prying forward / backward and then torque it down incrementally on all bolts.  I'm using new bolts.  

  
  
  Sounds A ok to me
• #3 by b1rdjx88 on 09 Apr, 2007 15:56
• So all went well, I got the engine back together and then I double checked the torque on th wrench I used by comparing with a smaller beam style wrench I have.  It turns out I torqued all bolts 10ft-lbs too high!! :oops:  
  
      I put the car back together anyways, and this next weekend I plan to take the pan off install new bolts with correct torque.
  
       Is this really necessary though?  I am thinking that the stretch bolts  get deformed in the extra quarter turn anyway.  This overtorque has simply caused the bolts to go through a greater plastic deformation.  As long as I didn't torque them past the ultimate tensile strength they should still be plenty strong.  I read somewhere else that stretch bolts normally only undergo 2-3% plastic deformation.
  
  Any thoughts?  Also why does the horn now go off when I try to connect the battery?
  
  Thanks for helping a newbie along,
  Alan
• #4 by SMOKEYDUB on 09 Apr, 2007 16:41
• i would bet the bolts would be fine i wouldnt really worry about them. As for the horn i am assuming you have a MK3 then that would be your theft alarm and you should be able to just lock and unlock your doors using the key and it should go off. If its and mk2 i had a problem like that were i had 2 wires on the starter mixed up.
• #5 by jimbrown618 on 10 Apr, 2007 02:35
• Here's a link to the Bentley VW forum regarding the alarm:
  
  http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?forumID=39&threadID=16858&messageID=150980#150980
  
  Essentially you need to have the key in the ignition & turned to on when you hook up battery.
  
  Jim