Working on a 82 20R. Was changing the clutch (neighbors truck) and noticed a lot of end play in the crankshaft (moves front/back about 1/4"). Dropped the pan and found the thrust bearings destryed and laying in the pan

The rear of middle main cap, the block and the crank are all garfed up. I assume it was initially caused by a driver holding the clutch in at stops.

Any cheap fix/workarounds for this? A suggestion was given to JB weld the bearings in place so they won't fall out.

 

i think for the most part you're screwed if the thrust washers ate the block up much...

i've heard the earlier engines liked to eat thrust washers, nobody's ever given me an explanation. maybe quality of the washer itself?

 

Yeah, it looks like the block and the crank have been rubbing for a while

 

"I've heard the earlier engines liked to eat thrust washers, nobody's ever given me an explanation. maybe quality of the washer itself?"

When you say "earlier engines," what years are you refering to? I hope 84 isn't included

 

'84 and older, probably to '75.

i wouldn't sweat it, i've never personally known anybody whose engine dumped the thrust washers...

 

Hey, just reading my post........It is really a 20R

The 22RE engines had the same style thrust bearings. They are just held in by the close tolerace fit of the crank to the block. It they wear (maybe .030 to .040 thou) they could fall out. then the fun begins

 

What did you end up doing with this engine? I'm dealing with a similar issue and really don't want to put a new engine in as the current one was rebuilt 12,000 miles ago. My only conclusion was to replace the entire engine since the no. 3 bearing cap and block were "ground" down to the extent that there is no way a thrust washer will stay in place.