G'day, I have just started my first ever VG30 rebuild. I have got as far as installing the crankshaft and torquing it all down. I noticed a small amount of metal shaving from (I assume) the new rear bearing (pictured). These are ACL race bearings and all measured within spec. I’d hate to carry an error all the way through the rest of the build so wanted to check with those who know what they’re doing before I just crack on. What is the best path forward? Do I need new bearings? Can I clean up metal shavings and carry on? Should i de-torque and inspect? Is this indicative of an issue I need to look into before going any further? cheers!
Your picture raises lots of questions:- Did you measure the crank first to ensure you purchased and fitted the correct bearings? Did you use plasti gauge to measure clearance, oil clearance? Did you use lubricant (engine assembly lube) to lubricate the bearings and bearing surface of the crank, as there doesn't appear to be any sign of lubricant showing. Will the crank turn? It should turn reasonable freely. If it doesn't you have the wrong bearings or fitted them incorrectly. Did you lubricate the main stud threads and nuts as there would appear no sign of lube? I would lift that bearing cap and take a look anyway. Probably a good idea to seek some help from someone who has built an engine before.
Thanks mate, Machine shop measured everything up and notified me of everything that needed addressing and the crankshaft was not on the list of things out of tollerance, so I can only assume the standard bearings were ok....but still a valid point. I used plastigauge to measure clearance, everything was fine. Used plenty of assembly lube on bearings Crank turns smoothly, no signs of binding ARP main studs lubricated with the supplied lube, threads, washers and nuts I ended up pulling it apart to inspect. Tiniest scrape on the inner face of the rear main bearing. Cleaned and re-lubed (lots more) everything and re-installed. I did notice that when i placed the cap back on over the main studs, that the clearance between the bearing and the counterweight was very tight. I had to put a bit of rearwards pressure on the cap to seat it but once I torqued it down there was a good gap, no more shavings and rotates smoothly. I'm left to conclude I just rushed the installation of the cap and wasn't watching closely enough when installing the bearing cap and shaved a bit off. I'm pretty happy to crack on, but happy to hear otherwise if anyone has concerns. Cheers for the help
