346 intake/exhaust studs

[LSUFAN]

Hi,

     I am taking apart the 346 out of my 38 7519.  I almost have the block completely disassembled.  My question is do the studs that the exhaust/intake clamps bolt to come out of the block?  Are they screwed into the block or pressed in? 

     Also the shaft for the cam/distributor idler gear is still in the block and I don't know how to get it out. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

     Trey

[Steve Passmore]

Hi Trey.
Yes, the studs screw out, normal threads.
The shaft for the idler gear is held in by an hex screw below the fitting for your oil gauge pipe, take out the fitting in the block and you will see it.
Steve

[LSUFAN]

Steve,

    Thanks!  I didn't find anything in the manual about the studs or the idler shaft.  I'll go and try it now.  Have to have this thing stripped bare by tomorrow so I can take it the the machine shop. 

     I had been pondering whether to have the block tanked since the coolant passages were heavily rusted.  After popping out the rear freeze plugs I discovered it wasa mostly clogged.  Needs to be tanked and flushed. 

     I was excited to discover the engine is still standard bore and has almost no wear to any of the cylinders.  The crank is .010 under.  I can see where #3 cylinder was re-sleeved, most likely in the late 60's when my Grandfather rebuilt the engine.  I know it was seized when he bought the car in '67.  Hopefully a light hone and some new rings and bearings is all I will have to replace.

Thanks again!

Trey

[LSUFAN]

Steve,

    Got the studs out and the shaft...thanks for your help!  Now that the block is bare, it's off to the machine shop!

Trey

[Mike Simmons 938]

Since some- or all- of those studs go into the water jacket, make sure to use some sealant on the threads when reinstalling them- like Permatex #3. Mike