crankshaft journal

[Rick1803]

1993 164L: The crankshaft journal for #4 cylinder (the first rod journal at the front of the crankshaft) has a groove that extends in both directions from one of the oil supply holes. It is almost as wide as the oil hole and occupies about 1/3 of the circumference. Initally I thought this groove was a journal failure and the cause of a noise I heard, however, I found this same groove on another crankshaft. Is this groove normal and not a failure of the crankshaft?

Thank You
Rick

[Richard2]

I have 2 164SW engines apart right now and they both have the groove. It's original...you didn't make it

[Rick1803]

Will a crankshaft from a 1992 164L fit into my 1993 164L block? Does anyone have an explanation for the goove on #4 rod journal?

Rick

[Alfisto Steve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick1803 Will a crankshaft from a 1992 164L fit into my 1993 164L block? Does anyone have an explanation for the goove on #4 rod journal? Rick

[Del]

The groove in the journal is there to ensure a higher oil flow to more of the journal bearing surface sooner. Many engines have this. It appears that even Alfa recognized that journal number 4 in these engines had a feed problem, judging by how many cranks have had bearing failure in this location. As learned in the old days, I still always warm up the 164 engines for a little bit at min revs before starting off from cold.

I do wonder why journal number 4 has this problem, and not the others to any degree. Something weird there.

[Rick1803]

The measurements of the journals on my crankshaft are within tolerance. The journals look good but there are visible circumfrencial lines, all journals are approximately equal, these lines can NOT be felt with my fingernail. Should I try to polish the journals with some fine emery cloth?

[Richard2]

1.I wouldn't use anything coarser than crocas cloth.
2. it will probably work as is...
can you post a pic?
Are these lines on all the journals? rod s or mains?

[Rick1803]

Rod and Main journals look the same. Four photos attached below. One photo shows the supplemental groove on #4 rod journal. The dull ring in the center of the main journals are the areas of the oil groove of the bearing.


http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...h/DSCF0707.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...h/DSCF0708.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...h/DSCF0709.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...h/DSCF0710.jpg

[Del]

Is that #4 rod journal the last rod journal to get oil from the crank, or the first? I haven't checked to see which way the oil flows in the crank. If it's the last, that may explain why it has a problem, starving a little in flow and pressure.

[jontg428]

I would take it to a well known crank grinder and have it polished, best to be on the safe side. As for warm ups, I typically let my car idle for about 1.5-2 mins and then drive lightly, not exceeding 2500 RPM for about 5 minutes, and then not exceeding 3000 RPM's for another 5, if at all possible.

[Richard2]

From what I can see in the photos, I'd run it as is.

[Rick1803]

I have some questions about the plastic/rubber dowels at the rear main bearing cap. Is the special tool definitely required for installation or can it be done without the tool? Should I use any gasket sealant ("Permatex") on the dowel and in the dowel hole? Are there any other recommendations about these dowels?

Thank you
Rick

[Alfisto Steve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick1803 I have some questions about the plastic/rubber dowels at the rear main bearing cap. Is the special tool definitely required for installation or can it be done without the tool? Should I use any gasket sealant ("Permatex") on the dowel and in the dowel hole? Are there any other recommendations about these dowels? Thank you Rick

[ChazzyD]

Read this thread. Jes did a good job of documenting how to seal up the cig seals when using the old style type of seal. Look at this 12v cam timing
I think I would just use the sealant method though.
Charles