I have a 1994 L block B230FT block that I am rebuilding. L blocks are like K blocks with the addition of piston oil cooling. This block has been bored out 0.012", the first oversize. The first picture shows the block, inverted, with the piston oil cooling jets and upper main bearing shells installed. I have greased the main bearing shells.


This picture shows the crankshaft laying in the block. The main bearing caps with bearing shells were installed and torqued to 80 ft-lbs. Grease or oil the bearing shells. Check that the crankshaft turns easily. If it doesn't, something is wrong.


Next I turned the crankshaft so cylinder throws 1 and 4 were down, and installed pistons 1 and 4. Install the rod bearing shell in the rod before installing the piston in the bore. I prefer the wrinkle band piston ring compressor. Once the pistons are installed, push them down to the crankshaft journal and feel them on to the journal. Then install the rod bearing cap snugly. Next rotate the crankshaft so throws 2 and 3 are down, and install pistons 2 and 3.


This picture shows torquing the rod bolts to 14 ft-lbs. You'll want to keep your torque wrench at 90º to the crankshaft so it doesn't turn. Rod bolts can be re-used as long as they don't exceed 55.5mm (2.185")


This (fuzzy) picture shows angle tightening the rod bolts 90º. I'm using a Snap-On angle tightening gauge with my 1/2" socket wrench. If you don't want to buy the gauge, you can eye it pretty well.


The side clearance between the connecting rod big end and the crankshaft is normal in the B230 and B200 engines. The tight fit of the piston in the bore keeps the rod centered on the crankshaft journal.


When you install the oil pump, make sure the oil delivery tube is fully seated in both the block and the oil pump. If it isn't, you'll have low oil pressure and have to drop the pan to install the oil delivery tube correctly. You may as well do it right the first time. The first picture is of the block side, and the second picture is of the oil pump side. I didn't show the o-rings being installed on the oil delivery tube, but don't forget to install them.



If you don't remember how the oil trap drain tube is installed, this picture shows it correctly. The clamp fastened under the front oil pump bolt extends up in to the engine. I have found one installed down.

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john