need help rebuilding 350

[eugene]

I decided to do a budget build on my TBI 350 chevy engine and bought standard rings and bearings. All components are original, no work done to engine before. I cleaned the block, removed the small ridge with a reamer, and had it hot tanked. I then honed the cylinders with a well oiled fine grit stone-hone. After checking clearances and successfully installing the crank, I am having great difficulty installing the pistons. It takes a tremendous amount of force to install them. The ring clearance is correct(.002 in.), the ring end gap is correct (.015 in.), the con-rod bearing clearance is correct (.002 in.). I am reusing the stock pistons in the same location and piston to cylinder clearance is okay (.002 in.). The pistons start to go in easily but for some reason bind once all the rings are in. The block is hospital clean and I am using oil when attempting to install pistons. Any ideas what could be binding? I know the pistons are supposed to fit tight, but you shouldn't have to pound on them to get them in, should you? I managed to get two pistons in, and found it very difficult to turn the engine around. After a third piston is installed, the engine WILL NOT TURN. The rods wiggle back and forth on the crank so I suspect something is binding in the cylinder. Am I way off on the specs, I'm using a HAYNES manual.

[Guest Anonymous]

JASON,

IT IS DIFFICULT TO TELL WHAT'S WRONG WITHOUT BEING THERE MYSELF. IF I HAD TO GUESS, I WOULD CHECK OIL RINGS AND EXPANDER

PROBABLY INSTALLED WRONG. CHECK INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. ALSO, CHECK GAPS FOR ALL

RINGS (BOTH COMRSSION AND OIL RING ) IN EACH

INDIVIDUAL CYLINDERS. I HAVE EVEN SEEN WRONG

SIZED PISTON RINGS MISPACKAGED. CHECK EVERYTHING AND DON'T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED.

GOOD LUCK,

SUNNY

[DavyZ]

Jason, if the pistons move freely in the bore without the rings, then the problem is the rings (mismatched or file fit that is not cut enough) or the way they are installed. Good luck.

 

Davy