Main cap number order?

[oscaryu1]

Hi guys, what is the numbering guide for the main caps? Took apart my old 3SFE and forgot to label

[Grego 92]

Will these help you? I thought if you didn't number them then your kind of screwed, unless you kept them in some kind of order?

[oscaryu1]

I didn't keep them in order, but that's because each was numbered on the back (1-5, stamped on the back). I guess nobody knows

[Grego 92]

Well, I would guess to say that they are like the first image at the top.....1-5 from front to rear (front being the left), but I believe your bearings have to be matched also.

BUT, have no fear, there are a few very knowledgeable guys who will likely come to your rescue in the morning. I've noticed they do their rounds in the morning to answer our F'ups! So don't lose hope yet, and keep checking back on your thread.

[Zembonez]

Have you checked the block? Possibly a corresponding number on it? Otherwise I have no help.

[dem2757]

if you need to know the piston numbering so you can match the bearings, i think toyota numbers their engines from front to back

AKA passenger side to drivers side.

so the left of the engine, or the side that has the timing belt etc is No.1

At least on my V6 it is

Belts 1_3_5: flywheel
Belts 2_4_6: flywheel

[oscaryu1]

I'll check the block, but no corresponding numbers that I remember of. Grego's picture depicts my problem - not sure which way it goes, 1-5 facing which direction

By the way - which directions do the pistons face on the 3SFE/GTE? Thanks!

[Grego 92]

Look close, are there "^" triangle arrows imprinted on the caps? If so, I believe they should be pointing to the front (timing belt side, left, passenger, etc..), that would resolve which way they go and you have the numbering now also.

['88 All-Trac]

Are there any sorts of marks on the tops of the pistons? In all of my experience with Suzuki engines, the mark goes toward the front (in this case passenger) side of the engine.

[oscaryu1]

'88 - There is a small circular indentation and a definite pin offset, that's all I know. I'll do some more research!

Grego - HEY! There are triangles! Three of them to be exact (on each main cap!), overlapping and pointing in the same direction. I'll check it, plastigage it, and get back to ya. THANKS!

[Zembonez]

It's ALWAYS a good idea to take a lot of good pictures when disassembling an engine. It can save your butt in situations like this. In your case it is too late.

You may have to bolt up the mains and have the block line bored to solve this.

[Grego 92]

Here is a picture of my 22RE showing the first three (the 3rd middle one isn't numbered)...you can see the same 3 triangles and they all point to toward the front.

[Grego 92]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

It's ALWAYS a good idea to take a lot of good pictures when disassembling an engine. It can save your butt in situations like this......

Totally agree...I even take a video and speak what I'm viewing, noting, and seeing. Kind of like how you see those autopsy guys doing on tv...speaking into a tape recorder on what they are viewing and seeing.

[Gazelle]

I rebuilt my 3SFE this summer and yes there are arrows cast in the caps. Yes, they point toward the engine front and mine had the cylinder number stamped, you can see 5-4-3-2 in the picture.
The pistons have a dimple that face the front, IIRC the wrist pin is offset.