main bearing dowels

[etarrence]

Ok i have rebuilt a few small block chevys. so these are new to me what are they and what do they do. Can i put new bearing in without dropping the crank or these keep the bearing from moving around etc

[wesk]

I wouldn't install bearings in an engine without dropping the crank unless it was in the field under emergency conditions. The best thing is to remove, clean, mic, polish/undercut if needed, temp install, clearance check and then final install.

Yes they serve the same purpose as the tabs punched in the edge of the small block Chevy bearings. They prevent the bearing from spinning.

[etarrence]

so the crank would have to come out to remove the bearing. it cant be slid around the journal to get it out