I've got to the stage with the rebuild of a spare engine where the crankshaft is to be fitted & having pored over Woodrow for a while am still a bit unsure.
As I see it, the procedure is as follows, but would be most grateful for expert comment.

Rear bearing first...
1. Heat bearing housing to 100C
2.Press OR into housing
3.Heat crankcase to 100C & insert crankshaft
4.Position bell housing end up & support shaft at font end
5.Press IR onto shaft ( having fitted oil thrower first)
6. Drift housing, along with OR, into crankcase over IR

Front Bearing....
1. With a hot crankcase, bell housing down and rear of crankshaft supported, drift the 2 bearings...one after the other...onto the journal and into the housing, making sure that the first bearing is fully "home" before starting on the second.

Does this make sense...and....
at what stage should the centre journals with shells be fitted?

many thanks,
Chris

Ruby Mk2 1937

Location: Morecambe

Before you fit the centre main bearings, read the late Jem Marsh's[via google] method. The centre main bearing carrier in the upper crankcase is invariable distorted. Jem proposes a very simple method for correcting this. You will need a dial test indicator [clock gauge]

Location: s.wales

Chris,
Over the years I have fitted one or two crankshafts, both two and three bearing, and I have to say that I have never felt the need to heat the crankcase, just a few drops of three in one oil to help them on their way. But you must make sure that the rear main is an interference fit on the crankshaft.
J

Location: As far east in Kent as you can get

I am not sure about item no.5.
I think the inner race should go on first, and then the oil thrower.
The oil thrower should be between the inner race and the flywheel.
The thrower should have compressible dimples on it so that it is gripped by the flywheel.
If you are fitting new front bearings, remember that the 3 bearing crankcase was made to suit the narrow type, which are not available now (AFAIK).
I will be pleased to be corrected on this.

Location: Bonnie Galloway

Dave you are correct in that the oil thrower must be fitted twixt rear main and flywheel. The dimples will have been flattened during previous fitting but they are available new from the usual suspects complete with dimples! (The oil thrower that is)

I believe Willie mackenzie can supply 'narrow' front A/C mains

Location: Farnham

Many thanks for the replies!

I shall look at the main journals.

The bearings were not easy to remove so I will go the heat way. I can get the crankcase in the oven & heat gently & evenly...while wife is at work, of course!

As for the oil thrower...I will have a good look at where it should go. Before the rear bearing , when I took the c/shaft out, but maybe a PO had put it in wrongly.
I will be re-using the front bearings, they are OK. I needed new rears.

Still wondering at what stage to put centre mains in...Woodrow seems to suggest that they go in after the rears & before the fronts.

Location: Morecambe

I've just fitted a two bearing crank and used a hot air gun to heat the crankcase - didn't think the missus would approve of using the oven.

Location: Bedford

Well the rear bearing is in...with oil thrower in the correct place, between inner race and the flywheel (when it goes back on)

I will fit the centre bearing next...while there is still a bit of lateral movement in the crank, then front bearings

So, many thanks to all

regards

Chris

Location: Morecambe

A final question. ..I hope

which way round should the oil thrower be fitted
concave face to the rear or facing forward?

thanks
Chris

Dished/concave face to the flywheel

Location: Farnham

Very many thanks David!

Chris

Location: Morecambe