Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement

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This guide is intended for use on engines already removed from the vehicle. While this kind of work may be possible to complete with the engine still in the car, it will be much easier with the engine removed.

The main bearings on a vehicle are what makes it possible for the crankshaft to rotate smoothly inside the engine. A bearing is needed for anything that runs in a circular motion to run smoothly, these main bearings are between the caps and the crankshaft in order to give it that smooth, frictionless surface.

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crwdns2931653:01crwdne2931653:0 Main Bearings

Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement, Main Bearings: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement, Main Bearings: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

Remove the 18 bolts holding the oil pan in place (fourteen ⅜” bolts & four ½” bolts on each corner) and remove oil pan using the 3⁄8 and 1⁄2 sockets, 6 inch extension and 3⁄8 ratchet.
Do not remove the oil pan gasket yet.

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Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

Remove the 5 main bearing caps.
Three caps with four ⅝ bolts and two caps with two ⅝ bolts at the front and rear of crankshaft.
Gently tap the side of the cap with a rubber mallet if needed to break free.
DO NOT SWAP THE LOCATIONS OR DIRECTIONS OF THE CAPS.

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Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

Remove and replace main bearings.
Liberally apply assembly lubricant/oil to the new bearing surfaces and crankshaft journal.
Gently tap the cap against the engine block or use a thin flathead to remove.

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Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

Put the main bearing caps back.
Three caps with four ⅝ bolts and two caps with two ⅝ bolts at the front and rear of crankshaft and torque to specs. (65 ft.-lbs.)
Do not swap the locations or directions of the caps during reinstallation. (reverse of removal)

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Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

Chevy 305 Engine Main Bearings Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

Replace the oil pan gasket.
Use a razor blade, flathead screwdriver or putty knife to clean up the old gasket and wipe down where the old gasket was with brake cleaner and paper towels before placing a new gasket.
Be careful not to drop any gasket debris into the engine.