Engine overhaul

1. Engine OverhaulEngine Overhaul
Chevy 350Chevy 350

2. Remove Engine Remove Engine
Place engine securely on an engine stand

3. Remove AccessoriesRemove Accessories
Remember to take photos- bag and label the parts and fasteners

4. Remove Intake and Valve train Remove Intake and Valve train
ComponentsComponents
Label the pushrods – this is to identify if you find a bent one later
to look at the other parts for that cylinder.

5. Remover Cylinder HeadsRemover Cylinder Heads
Remove the head bolts in reverse sequence--- Check for damage especially
between cylinders
The Engine’s
Identification
Number is
Found Here

6. Remove Lifters Remove Lifters
Rotate the engine – it will pop the lifters up for easy of removal

7. Ridge Ream Each CylinderRidge Ream Each Cylinder
A ridge develops over time and must be removed to allow the piston to be removed

8. Remove all Ridges Remove all Ridges
Two wrenches opposite of each other give you good control

9. Remove Oil Pan and InspectRemove Oil Pan and Inspect
This is a four-bolt main – Pay attention to the oil pickup screen, look for
debris
1
2
3
4
Mark the main
and rod caps
for reinstallation
Use number and
Letter sets

10. Remove Gaskets and Scrape Away Remove Gaskets and Scrape Away
CrudCrud
Wiggle out the oil dipstick tube, it will be damaged if you don’t.

11. Remove Balancer and Front CoverRemove Balancer and Front Cover
Loosen the
Main Bolts
In Reverse
Sequence
Remove the Harmonic balancer with the proper tool or you will damage it.
Remove Timing
Gears and Chain
Toss Them

12. Remove Pistons and Main CapsRemove Pistons and Main Caps
Tap the pistons out with a plastic hammer– tap the mains from front to back to loosen

13. Remove Crank and CamshaftRemove Crank and Camshaft
Knock out the
Freeze plugs
Clean out water Jacket
holes

14. Remove Camshaft BearingsRemove Camshaft Bearings
You need a specific tool for this– clean out all bolt holes with a tap

15. Clean the Internal Area Clean the Internal Area
Especially the oil galleries

16. Clean Out Lifter AreaClean Out Lifter Area
A long rod tipper with a rag soaked in cleaner works well for areas you can’t get your hand

17. Inspect Cylinder headsInspect Cylinder heads
Check everywhere, the heads are very prone to cracks and damage.

18. Cracks- You Don’t Want To See ThisCracks- You Don’t Want To See This

19. Clean the HeadsClean the Heads
A power brush works well and inspect head for cracks again, cover and plug
the ports and valves if you don’t rebuild the heads. (why wouldn’t you?)

20. Spring Tool and Valve ToolSpring Tool and Valve Tool
You will need to measure spring
Tension and height

21. Cylinder Head DisassemblyCylinder Head Disassembly
Use a “C” valve tool to remove valves—Keep everything in order

22. Inspect Valve, Springs, and RotatorInspect Valve, Springs, and Rotator

23. Inspect For CracksInspect For Cracks
Check Here

24. Valve GrindingValve Grinding
This resurfaces the
valve angle

25. Cut & Check Valve SeatCut & Check Valve Seat
Use Prussian Blue
to check the
contact between
valve and seat

26. Valve AnglesValve Angles
Seat
45 degrees
15 degrees
60 degrees

27. Clean and Inspect PistonsClean and Inspect Pistons
At times you can reuse pistons, replacing them will improve the rebuild

28. Clean and Inspect the Entire EngineClean and Inspect the Entire Engine

29. Preparation for PaintingPreparation for Painting

30. Acquire a Rebuild KitAcquire a Rebuild Kit
This kit is a Mater rebuild kit complete with the crank rods and pistons.
You can get a rebuild kits without these items or smaller camshaft and valve train kits

31. Paint Heads Paint Heads
Cover valve area and block ports

32. Paint BlockPaint Block
Cover internal parts, you don’t need to paint where the oil will be, use high heat paint

33. Measure, Measure, MeasureMeasure, Measure, Measure
Measuring throughout the rebuild process will insure you buy the necessary items

34. Install CamshaftInstall Camshaft
Take care with the cam and it’s bearings when installing. Over lube this as you install.

35. Install Lifters Install Lifters
Lube the lifters heavily

36. Measure Ring GapMeasure Ring Gap
This gap needs to be precise, file the gap to specs

37. Install and Bolt Main CapsInstall and Bolt Main Caps
You will want to confirm the inside diameter is correct and round
Make sure you
line up the oils hole
for the bearings

38. Bolt and Torque CrankBolt and Torque Crank
Use specifications and sequence for this and anything else in engine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Over lube
Everything
Use Assembly
Grease
Install
Freeze Plugs

39. Fit the RingFit the Ring
Protect the rod
Use wood in the vise

40. Lube the Rod BearingsLube the Rod Bearings
Use assembly grease
Oil the rings
Use engine oil

41. Prep Pistons for InstallationPrep Pistons for Installation
Align the ring gaps---in thirds

42. Install PistonsInstall Pistons
Use a plastic hammer
handle
Use a ring
Compressing tool
Install pistons
one at a time
and torque to
specs

43. Installing Timing ChainInstalling Timing Chain
Mark the aligning
Points with white out
And align them for
proper gear timing

44. Clean and Prep the Cylinder HeadsClean and Prep the Cylinder Heads
Some people send
the heads out to
be reworked,
or buy replacement
heads

45. Bolt and Torque the HeadsBolt and Torque the Heads
Use Specs and
Sequence Make sure you keep
the gaskets aligned

46. Install Rockers and PushrodsInstall Rockers and Pushrods
Use plenty of lube, this is the last area that gets oil on startup

47. Adjust Rockers ArmsAdjust Rockers Arms
Adjust the slack out, turn the rod in your fingers and turn adjuster until the rod stops spinning
Don’t over do this.

48. Prepare the Front CoverPrepare the Front Cover
Check the timing marks again just to make sure. Use a little extra sealer in the corners.

49. Install Front CoverInstall Front Cover
Lube seal as you
place the cover over
the crank
Use specs

50. Install Harmonic BalancerInstall Harmonic Balancer
Use specs

51. Prep For Intake ManifoldPrep For Intake Manifold
Use a good sealer here to help the intake seal. Take care to keep gasket aligned

52. Place the GasketsPlace the Gaskets
Use a good sealer here to help the intake seal. Take care to keep gasket aligned
Use a little
extra sealer in
the corners

53. Install intake and DistributorInstall intake and Distributor
You can wait for the distributor until later, if so covet the openings in the intake!!!!

54. Install Oil Pump and FilterInstall Oil Pump and Filter
Install the oil
dipstick
You need
To adjust
The screen.
How?

55. Wires Now or LaterWires Now or Later

56. Wire Looms are ImportantWire Looms are Important
You may wait until
exhaust is installed

57. Install Oil PanInstall Oil Pan
Use a good
sealant here
Don’t turn engine
Over if carb is
installed
Install a fuel
pump also

58. Install AccessoriesInstall Accessories
Valve covers
Exhaust manifolds
Water pump
Carburetor

59. Engine StorageEngine Storage
Bag and oil the engine if you plan to store the Bag and oil the engine if you plan to store the
engine. engine.
Store engine in a place that is dry.Store engine in a place that is dry.
You can place it on a wood skid to recover you You can place it on a wood skid to recover you
stand.stand.

60. Engine Break InEngine Break In
Lots of conflicting info out there.Lots of conflicting info out there.
Mr. B way.Mr. B way.
Spin the oil pump shaft with drill and get oil pressure Spin the oil pump shaft with drill and get oil pressure
in engine-replace distributorin engine-replace distributor
Start engine, spot time the distributor and check for Start engine, spot time the distributor and check for
leaks and make adjustmentsleaks and make adjustments
If no problems, run engine at idle for two minutes, If no problems, run engine at idle for two minutes,
the change rpms, two minutes each rpm range.the change rpms, two minutes each rpm range.
Don’t exceed four thousand rpms for the first five Don’t exceed four thousand rpms for the first five
hundred miles. Change oil at 500 miles. Them at 2000hundred miles. Change oil at 500 miles. Them at 2000

61. Misc. Misc.
Make sure you clean and inspect everything through the Make sure you clean and inspect everything through the
rebuild process, this will prevent you from rebuilding a rebuild process, this will prevent you from rebuilding a
cracked block for instance.cracked block for instance.
Follow the book, specs, procedures, tests, info, Follow the book, specs, procedures, tests, info,
measurements and sequences are all critical for success.measurements and sequences are all critical for success.
Organization is key.Organization is key.
Replace all parts if you can.Replace all parts if you can.
Sorry to say, it is cheaper to get a “crate” engine now Sorry to say, it is cheaper to get a “crate” engine now
days- saves time, money and worry. They even have a days- saves time, money and worry. They even have a
warrantee that you can’t provide.warrantee that you can’t provide.