Bruce,
A couple of comments/suggestions.
I used to work on Model 'A' Fords a long time ago and I had success with a
trick an old mechanic taught me on how to clean up minor scratchs on main
bearing surfaces. I have done this on several older cars in the past, but
not on a TR7, should still work.
Get some fine crocus cloth, the stuff with the strong cloth backing. The
finer the better. Cut it into strips of about 1/4 inch. Take a strip and
wrap it once completely AROUND the crank journal (the bearing surface).
Then you can use a gentle 'shoeshine' action to finely polish the surface,
pulling first in one direction, then the other. With the strip wrapped
around the bearing you will get a good polishing effect. For best results
turn the engine over 1/2 revolution and do it again to get even polishing.
I'd avoid using the Dremel.
Then go through your process of cleaning up everything with WD-40.Coat the
journals well with lubricant. I have used a (50/50) mixture of Marvel
Mystery Oil and STP which seems to lubricate and stay on during the
critical first time that you build oil pressure. There are lots of other
products available as well.
It's a good idea to turn by hand and remove the bearings to check for
damage. You should also use some 'Plastigauge' (available at all your local
parts stores) to check to see exactly how much bearing clearance you have.
You won't be able to do anything about too much clearance, but you will
make sure that the bearings are properly fit and the correct size. I have
gotten new bearings out of the box that were incorrect size.
I would pass on the pulling the car idea. Just crank the engine over with
the starter, spark plugs out, till you get oil pressure. Then replace the
plugs and start her up, watching the pressure gauge closely for any serious
drop in pressure.
Since this polishing of the crank is going to take some of the metal away
you should not have problems with things being too tight. What you will
have is more clearance on your bearings, which will cause reduced oil
pressure. As long as you don't take away too much metal you should be OK.
If your oil pressure is too low you may need to go for a heavier weight of
oil, but I would start with the Castrol 20W50 anyway.
Good luck!
Dick Dell
Raleigh NC
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