Rear Main Bearing

[mtbraun]

When pulling the two bolts for the main bearing cap last night, a small amount of dry, granular/rocky crap fell out with each bolt. It was dark in color and didn't look like metal filings. Any idea what this is? Or more importantly, is there a reason to be concerned something else might be wrong?

Also, I cannot get the bottom cap off. I removed all the old RTV and tried using the bolts partially threaded to work the cap loose. I also tapped on it with a rubber mallet. No dice. Any other tricks for removing this?

 

[turbodave231]

I wouldn't be too concerned as long as the bolts and the threads in the block look ok. Clean it all up and inspect it carefully.

I use a small slide hammer with a 5/16 thread. It threads into one of the 2 pan bolt holes. You can make something like this with a long bolt or a piece of 5/16 all-thread (threaded rod)

 

[pacecarta]

use the two main cap bolts inserted into the cap but not threaded and grab them as you would a pair of pliers (not too tight and dont use a hammer) and rock the cap forward and back a little then pull the cap down . you could also use a pan bolt installed a few threads and use a pry bar under the head and that will break the sealer bond and lift the cap slightly so that you can wiggle it out using the main bolts

 

[turbo nasty]

Soft faced mallet and tap the cap back and forth easy. It will come. Dont get Jungle with it tho

 

[mtbraun]

I ended up using two 3/8" ratchet extensions in the cap holes. Rocked it back and forth until it came loose. Peice of cake. Thanks for the suggestions.