Engine Block Cleaning and Inspection

Special Tools

• EN-7872  Magnetic Base Dial Indicator
• EN-8087  Cylinder Bore Gauge

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (LDK, LHU) .

Fig 1: Clean Sealing Material From Gasket Mating Surfaces With A Suitable Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
1. Ensure proper use of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant.

   Use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Anaerobic Sealant 

2. Clean the sealing material from the gasket mating surfaces (2) with a suitable tool (1).
3. Clean the engine block and lower crankcase in a cleaning tank with solvent appropriate for aluminum.
4. Flush the engine block with clean water or steam.
5. Clean the oil passages.
6. Clean the blind holes.
7. Spray the cylinder bores and the machined surfaces with engine oil.
8. Inspect the threaded holes.
9. Clean the threaded holes with a rifle brush.
Fig 2: Use A Straight Edge And Feeler Gage To Check Deck Surface For Flatness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

Do not attempt to machine the lower crankcase to engine block surfaces.

10. Use a straight edge (1) and a feeler gauge (2) to inspect the deck surface for flatness. Carefully machine minor irregularities. Replace the block if greater than 0.254 mm (0.010 in) must be removed.
11. Inspect the oil pan rail for nicks. Inspect the front cover attaching area for nicks. Use a flat mill file to remove any nicks.
Fig 3: Cleaning Lower Crankcase Engine Block Side With Suitable Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
12. Ensure proper use of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant.

    Use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Anaerobic Sealant 

13. Clean the sealing material from the gasket mating surfaces on the lower crankcase engine block side with a suitable tool (1).
Fig 4: Clean Sealing Material From Gasket Mating Surfaces On Lower Crankcase Oil Pan Side With Suitable Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
14. Clean the sealing material from the gasket mating surfaces on the lower crankcase oil pan side with a suitable tool (1).
Fig 5: Measuring Crankshaft Flange Runout
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
15. Inspect the mating surfaces of the transmission face.
CAUTION:

A broken flywheel may result if the transmission case mating surface is not flat.

16. Use the following procedure in order to measure the engine block flange runout at the mounting bolt hole bosses:
    1. Temporarily install the crankshaft and upper bearings. Measure the crankshaft flange runout using the EN-7872  dial indicator (1).
    2. Hold the gauge plate flat against the crankshaft flange.
    3. Place the dial indicator stem on the transmission mounting bolt hole boss. Set the indicator to 0.
    4. Record the readings obtained from all of the bolt hole bosses. The measurements should not vary more than 0.203 mm (0.008 in).
    5. Check the crankshaft flange runout again if the readings vary greater than 0.203 mm (0.008 in).
    6. Remove the crankshaft and bearings.
    Fig 6: Measuring Bearing Bore
    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    7. Install the bed plate and bolts. Tighten the bed plate bolts to specification.
    8. Inspect the crankshaft main bearing bores. Use the EN-8087  gauge (1) to measure the bearing bore concentricity and alignment. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
    9. Replace the engine block and bed plate if the crankshaft bearing bores are out of specification.
    10. Remove the bed plate.
Fig 7: Inspect Cylinder Bores Using EN-8087 Gage
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
17. Check the cylinder condition. Some light vertical marks may be visible on the cylinder wall. In these areas, check that the honing marks are still visible in this marked area. If they are, the cylinder surface has not been compromised and the engine block can be used.
18. Using the EN-8087  gauge (1), inspect the cylinder bores for the following conditions:
    • Wear
    • Taper
    • Runout
    • Ridging
19. If the cylinder bores are out of specification, replace the engine.