quote Originally posted by AL87: I turned caps 1,3, and 5 around so the square ends face the front and it seems that all the pistons have some wiggle to them after being torqued to spec.

I know it's frustrating waiting for answers, but if I were you I'd wait until you, I, or someone else can verify the orientation of the rod caps for you before trying to start the engine. Turning rod caps around isn't a good idea unless you know for certain that they were accidentally placed on backwards in the first place. Just because you have some wiggle room now that you've swapped them around, doesn't mean you've got it right. It would be even more frustrating if it turned out to be wrong.

While I'm researching the rod orientation, one of the questions asked above, which was never answered, is: "Do all the pistons have the dot (or other identfying mark) oriented towards the water pump end of the engine?" If not, then that is a problem right there. The wrist pins are offset 1.5 mm toward the thrust side so if the pistons are installed backwards, they will bind.

The rod caps go on so that the bearing notches in the rod and cap are on the same side.
Edit: And also, if the piston dots all face toward the water pump end of the engine, as stated above, the bearing notches should all be on the same side. If not, the rods were mounted in the pistons wrong.

[This message has been edited by TopNotch (edited 10-12-2011).]

Tthe NEW piston's dots are all oriented towards the front of the block.

And I did not know that the notches on the bearings are all supposed to be on the same side when the cap is mated to its connecting rod.

Anyways, I was able to get the starter to turn over the engine. but I will double check all the connecting rod caps and bearings tomorrow, and put it all back together for the final time.

Sounds like you are on the right track then!

You still need to answer the question about the location of the piston notch. Did you take any pictures? It's important.

I thought I had already said the notches on the piston dishes were all pointing towards the front of the block, I dont have pictures, but I know for a fact that they were all installed correctly. I think it was a connecting rod cap problem. tearing into engine one more time to see what I can do.

Oops... my mistake... I now see that you had already stated the pistons were installed in the block correctly. Knowing that, and assuming the machine shop knew which way to install the con rods on the pistons, then the only other consideration is to align the con rod caps so the bearing tangs are on the same side as the tangs on the rods... as TopNotch said. That will ensure it's all correctly installed. Let us know how it all works out in the end.

thats alright, your fine, I wouldnt have gotten as far as I have without help.

the bearing caps were all backwards is what it was, should I go get a new set of bearings?

I think I should. I dont want this engine to fail on me.

[This message has been edited by AL87 (edited 10-14-2011).]

Yes, new bearings. And try to avoid touching the bearing surface. Skin acid can etch it. Take the utmost care keeping the inside of your engine clean, and it will last.

I have to agree with TopNotch on this one. The rod bearings are most likely pooched. No biggie... at least you found this out before installing the engine back in the car!

yes, pooched? how so? well... I took the bearings out in order and I have to say, only half a bearing from cylnder 4 was I guess etched or something... all the other bearings look great, but umm after this I will go and get bearings.