29. Engine Block Clean and Inspect

Engine Block Cleaning and Inspection

- Tools Required
- J 8087 Cylinder Bore Gage
- J 42385-100 Thread Repair Kit





1. Clean the following area.

Notice: Do not use a caustic solution to clean the aluminum engine block.

Important: When cleaning the engine block at a thermal type oven, do not exceed 450°F (232°C)
- The engine block in the solvent to remove all sludge, dirt, or debris.

Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in Service Precautions.

- Dry the block with compressed air
- The gasket surfaces
- The coolant passages
- The oil galleries
- The main bearing caps
- The engine block cylinder head bolt holes for threadlocking material
Thread repair driver tool J 42385 may be used to clean the threads of old thread locking material.
2. Inspect the following areas:
- The cylinder walls for each excessive scratches, gouging, or ring ridge
- The cylinder bores to excessive ring ridge at the top of the cylinder
- The coolant jacket for cracks
- The valve lifter bores for excessive scoring or wear
- The crankshaft bearing for cracks
- The gasket sealing surfaces for excessive scratches or gouging
- The oil galleries for restrictions
- All threaded bolt holes for damage
3. Measure the following areas:
- The cylinder bores for taper
- The cylinder bores for excessive ring ridge at the top of the cylinder

Measuring the Cylinder for Taper, Out-of-Round, and Oversize
1. Adjust the micrometer to a dimension slightly smaller than the bore size.
Adjust the micrometer to 96.0 mm (3.78 inch) for 4.8/5.3 liter engines.
Adjust the micrometer to 101.62 mm (4.0 inch) for 6.0 liter engines.





2. Insert the J 8087 into the micrometer and zero the J 8087 dial.
3. Using a J 8087, measure the cylinder bore for taper, out-of-round, and oversize.

Slide the J 8087 up and down throughout the length of the cylinder bore. Check the bore both parallel and perpendicular to the centerline of the crankshaft at the top, center, and bottom of the bore.

A 4.8/5.3 L cylinder bore that measures 96.000-96.018 mm (3.779-3.78 inch) may be honed and serviced with a standard size piston.

A 6.0 L cylinder bore that measures 101.618-101.636 mm (4.0007-4.0014 inch) may be honed and serviced with a standard size piston.

A cylinder bore that exceeds the maximum diameter must be serviced with an oversized piston.