Girdle install order of assembly

RPEVEHOUSE

RPEVEHOUSE

Member
Oct 29, 2022
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Auburn, Alabama
Hello everyone, working on assembly of my LLY Duramax and I e reached a point where I’m in need of some advice or opinions on installing g the Wagler girdle. Engine is an assembled short block with front and rear covers installled. My next steps require me to lay down a bead of RTV on the pan rails, install the girdle, oil pick up and finally the upper oil pan. Question is should I apply the RTV to the block, bolt the girdle down and wait till the rtv dries to do the pan? Or attempt to assemble everything at the same time. Seems like a simple task however I’m not sure what kind of window I have to get everything together before the rtv needs to be wiped and reapplied. Using GM Gray rtv in the caulk tube. I’m pretty fast but that’s going to be a lot of work with what i believe is a pretty short window. Was hoping to get some pointers from someone that’s been in this situation before I jump in with both feet,lol. Thanks in advance
 
Bdsankey

Bdsankey

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Feb 1, 2018
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I've always just assembled everything without cure time meaning bead on block > install girdle fully > pickup tube etc > bead on girdle > install oil pan.

I've also always used the Mahle/GM gray RTV, never had a single leak.
 
RPEVEHOUSE

RPEVEHOUSE

Member
Oct 29, 2022
37
3
8
47
Auburn, Alabama
Bdsankey said:
A good tip would be to install some pan bolts into the girdle to help locate it while you're torquing the main studs. That way you don't fight any alignment issues.
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That’s how I have been fitting it. Thank you for the tip. Had to machine a little off the back side of the girdle to clear the rear covers. I had already glued the rear cover and didn’t want to remove it,lol. Had the girdle off and on several times. I’m having to shim it slightly to get my .003 clearance under the girdle. When I had it line honed they must have shaved a few of the mains because I came up a little tight with the girdle. Talking maybe a .015 shim between the girdle and the cap is all that was needed. I didn’t want to fool with going back to the machine shop to have the pan rails milled so I opted to shim it. That’s common practice on gas engine from what I understand. Just wanted to make damn sure the girdle was clamping the mains
 
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