Farmall Cub

I'm replacing my mains on my Chevy 350. I rolled the rear main out and can't get the new bearing started. There both .010 bearings as crank is stamped .010/.010. I don't have a mic but used my calipers to measure the leading edge of both and they measure the same. I have all main caps loose and the main belt loose as well. I can't seem to get the crank to get just that slightest amount I need to start this bearing in place. Even if I put my cotter pin in the oil holes it doesn't seem to want to start.

Any one have some suggestions here. This seems like the type crowd that has done this before or have some ideas.

All spark plugs out. Have someone roll the engine backward, using a front engine pulley.

Next option. Stiff brass stock thinner than the bearing insert. Tap the brass piece on to insert.

All plugs are out.
I even loosened the flex plate bolts.

I got it. The crank shifted a thousand or so back at some point I guess. I looked real close and saw the thrust side was hitting the inner block. I hit a crank counter weight a few times with my small dead blow forwards and was easily able to start it by hand one then roll it the rest of the way in with the crank and oil hole.

Great!! Another job well done!!

I’ve fought that fight before, it can take a while to notice that the crank has shifted but they slide fight in, once you figure it out.