Part 5 Prep The Big Block Chevy Before It Goes To The Machine Shop

[@karlbutler551]

This guy doesn't just build motors, he makes love to them.

[@finscreenname]

I make sure to remove all the slag on the block inside and out. I ripped my hand open picking up a set of heads when I was a kid because of sharp slag and was never the same.

[@imarooster3548]

As a full time engine builder no need for screen, if anything it acts as a restriction. I build 2-3 engines a week and never use screen. The most important thing is the correct rear cam bearing, use the wrong one and you won't have oil pressure.

[@stevesolo16]

There are 2 thing I do as well as those you have shown. On the bottom of all the bores I very carefully round over the edges. As the piston moves upwards, the air and oil mist that needs to follow behind, is unencumbered. The mist in the air helps lube the bores, piston pin and rings. At high RPM it also allows the "pump" to work more smoothly. *And, if you do use the screens over the cam, I drill a small hole (#7drill) at the end of the last screen/oval opening and a little to the right so oil can drop easier into the crankcase. Why? When the screen gets wet with oil it tends to stop oil from dropping easily back down to the crank where it is needed. It is made worse when the screen catches any debris. *** Thanks, John for all your postings! They are very helpful.***

[@garymccarty6091]

ohh-yeahh.... just picked up a real low mileage chevy 400 block that was stripped for pistons and rods and heads , and sat in a clean shop for 30 some years so theres very little rust anywhere, and the cylinder walls don't even have a ring groove at the top, so im guessing the block had less than 100k miles for sure.. any how just power washed the block 2x this morning and now its time to put together the engine stand and start prepping the block.... so many times before my friends grease me for always doing flange removal and minor prep on other peoples blocks for free because that's how I would do it if it was my build, well today its all about me and my build, I even learned a thing or two in this vid that will probably save me more than 150 dollars in the machine shop labor, which will probably be a lot since this motor will be externally balanced and bottom end assembled at the shop by the pro's

[@johnnykcarsnguitars]

Hey Gary McCarty, Thanks for taking the time to post! I'm glad the video was helpful and can save you some do-re-me! Have a great day Johnny K

[@guyconnell2250]

I am confused. I have watched a number of "block prep" videos lately and come across this screen procedure. Why "open up the oil drain passages in the front and the back and then restrict the oil return with a fine screen?

[@LAUptegrove]

I missed the thought of the day on this one. Good Job Johnny K

[@johnnykcarsnguitars]

Hey Big Al, I did random thoughts of the day on other videos! Thanks for taking the time to post Johnny K

[@journeyquest1]

My prep list. Remove all parts. Take to machine shop to prep block.

[@Derekbitt1]

Mechanically inclined but I have never built an engine. I will be building my own 496 with some help from a friend. I appreciate the videos. Am I understanding this correctly, ? The oil galley screens, You installed the, before the trip to the shop? Also, what epoxy did you use? Thanks again.....I am reading every book and watching every video I can, I think your vids are some of the best info out there. Thanks again

[@arfreak1979]

Great video! I'm getting ready to build my first big block and will definitely be using these tips and tricks. One question I have is, is it ok to put the oil valley screens in before if I plan to have the block baked? I was going to have it cleaned and baked prior to decking, line honing, boring, etc. Thanks again for the great video

[@stephenhill7184]

how in the world do you remove the 1/8 pipe plugs that have a square hole on the end???? thanks

[@richbarkley4737]

Stephen Hill use a ratchet in the appropriate size

[@sgtokie]

IF IT IS SQUARE, THEN IT ISNT A HOLE!

[@shelbyavant5081]

@@sgtokie Sure it is. It's a square hole. Ratchet goes in there.

[@NFlight]

Oil GALLERY.... not Galley. it's not a kitchen...

[@superkillr]

google it