HELP!!!!! MAIN CAP GIRDLE!!

[DanMan2k06]

Ok guys I just replaced the rear main seal on my 97 today, everything went pretty smoothly. Took a while, but got everything done. Or so I thought. After putting the oil pan back in and re-connecting the draglink, exhaust, starter etc... I turned around and saw my main cap girdle sitting on the floor behind me!! Should I pull everything back off and put it in or will it be safe to leave out. I know not all years have it, which makes it even more tempting to leave it out. Please help guys!!!

 

[DanMan2k06]

Come on I know someone has an idea, after all these things that have been replaced I can't be the first one. Anyone know? My car is still in the garage without oil. I don't wanna add it until I know I'm ok.

 

[needsrepair]

Do you mean the steel plate that runs between them? I figure someone smarter then me designed it. I would put it on. If it breaks then you will wonder if it was because of that. Its a good lesson.You wont do it again.

 

[pierceME311]

It was on there for a reason.

 

[DanMan2k06]

Son of a beesting. Well it seems after some research, it not necessary, however does do something for the engine. A lot of cars don't come with them, and a lot of places sell aftermarket ones for high performance applications. So tomorrow I'll put it back on the lift, rip out all my brand new rtv, and put it back in. Along with a new oil filter elbow gasket. After that if my engine leaks I'm gonna cry.

 

[needsrepair]

Did you throughly check the valve cover gasket? They weep at the back and make it look like it could be from the crank seal. Mines a 2000 It has the rubber donut things and was like $50.00 for vc gasket. Dry as a bone underneath though.

 

[old_man]

My Renix 4.0 did not come with the girdle. It was added to later models.

 

[alex22]

They added the main gurdle to the 4.0 in 96. It dampens the harmonics that exists within the block and makes it a little stronger. You might notice some vibrations at high RPM's without it.


~Alex

 

[JJacobs]

No offense- but if you forgot that what else was forgotten? You might want to pull it back down, verify the presence of a rear main seal, check all the torques etc.

 

[lawsoncl]

They added the main gurdle to the 4.0 in 96. It dampens the harmonics that exists within the block and makes it a little stronger. You might notice some vibrations at high RPM's without it.
~Alex

I thought the later blocks were also a little thinner and needed the girdle?

 

[DanMan2k06]

No, nothing else was forgotten. All the bolts were put back in the oil pan, and the caps were torqued to spec. The only reason I forgot this was it was not in the pile along with my other parts and bolts. It was a couple feet away under some paper towels.

On a side note, anyone know the PN for the oil filter elbow gasket?

 

[alex22]

I thought the later blocks were also a little thinner and needed the girdle?

It may have been weakened in the newer years. I was mainly stateing the reason for the gurdle.

~Alex

 

[lawsoncl]

I just mentioned it as I heard from a few sources that the Renix block was heavier and the casting a little thicker.

 

[DanMan2k06]

I could definately see that being a possibility.