This is entirely possible, machine shops do everything by measurement
and typically don't test fit the crank, they don't even take the
bearings out of the box. This would just increase the risk of damaging
something or introducing dust, etc. This is why I always check the work
with Plastigauge when I assemble the engine. Also, balancing is done on
a machine, not in the engine.
Unfortunately, it is your fault for supplying them with the wrong crank.
You will have to pay for balancing another crank, and possibly buy
oversize bearings if you have to install a used crank that needs
grinding.
It shouldn't cost you too horribly, let us know how you come out.
Neil Cotty wrote:
>
> Must vent. So apologies if this is a little pointless rant but ##&*&@*!!!!
> Today I finally get some time to start the assembly of my MGA 1600 Mk1
> motor. I've installed the core plugs, inserted new plugs for the oil
> galleries and made sure she's spotlessly clean. Next step was to install the
> NOS crank I picked up from a _very reputable supplier here in Sydney. I also
> had a bunch of machine work done along the way by another shop which
> included line boring the block, end to end balance, size the rods, bore the
> block etc etc. All the typical things. NOW this is where the fun starts, I
> installed the main bearing halves in the bearing saddles, applied a little
> lube and was dropping the crank into position when... bloody hell.. the
> crank doesn't fit in the block! I've been given the wrong crank! The crank I
> have I think belongs to a 1600 Mk2, not a Mk1, it appears to have a much
> smaller centre main than my old crank! It doesn't even drop into place, the
> counterweights hang up on the saddle! ARGGGH!!!
>
> OK, now someone out there with more experience than me please tell me how
> the machine shop failed to pick up that this was the wrong crank? How can
> the bearing clearances be checked without fitting up the crank? What about
> the line boring process, do they need to have the crank in place to check
> this out? What about balancing? What I want to know is if it's possible for
> the machine shop not to have known this was the wrong crank IF they carried
> out the specified work? I think not. I think I've been royally screwed and
> the machine shop had likely not performed any of the above work except bore
> the block (which is bloody obvious at first look of course).
>
> I am very very mad right now, I wonder why I paid a bunch of supposed pro's
> $1500 to do this work when they obviously never even checked the bearing
> clearances!!! But supplied me with bearings all the same! I am guessing
> because the crank was NOS, they figured it'd fit no need to check clearance,
> but what about all the other services don't they require checking/fitting
> the crank? Some advice please. I will ring these people in the AM, but would
> love some feedback. It all reeks of incompetence to me.
>
> Cheers,
> Neil.
> --
> 61 A / 70 BGT / 68 CGT/ 56 BN2
> URL: http://www.apphosting.com/mgstuff/
--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle
'84 Vanagon Westfalia
'65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring)
Assisting on Restoration:
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)
Parts cars:
'68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT
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