I had local machine shop overhaul 351W block; just curious can I check his work to make sure everything is good. I just bought a bore gauge to check mains and rods. Also I can check cylinders for out of round and make sure tolerances are good there but what about the line bore of camshaft. He installed cam bearings so can I still use a straight edge with feeler gauges even though the cam bearings are in. Also what do you guys recommend for engine lube (brand). I had someone tell me to use ATF on cylinder walls. I will use mellings cam and there assembly lube. I have heard some say use just engine oil some say only use moly paste, others say just use over the counter engine lube.

I like to use engine assembly lube by Mellings or Sealed Power. Another assemble lube for bearings and camshafts is Isky Cam lube. It's a molylube based hi-temp hi-pressure lube. I like to use motor oil on the rings and in the cylinders. Use the same brand and viscosity you plan on using when the engine is in use.

You can check piston to cylinder wall clearance with a filler gage like you would use to set valve clearance. The best way to check the cam bearings is to install the camshaft. Trial fit it with motor oil then use engine/cam lube for final installation. If it is to tight you will have to scrap the bearing till the cam fits properly. I have seen shops use a homemade tool that was a butter knife welded on a long rod. Another option is return the block to the machine shop and have then line bore the camshaft bore.

Probably one of the most overlooked is the big end of the connecting rod. The rod expands and contracts from the repetitive heat and cool of the engine. This can cause the bore of the rod bearing to shrink or become egg shaped cause improper clearance between crankshaft surface and rod bearing.

 

 

OH my god "scrap the cam brgs to fit"   Chevy there is not usually a problem but ford and chrysler housing bores are.  If the bores are checked for size and proper press fit on the brgs. Before they are installed the cam will slide right in every time.  You just bought a dial bore gauge-great.  If the cyls check perfect you have a PROBLEM.  Fords are 4 bolts per cyl. and distort very bad when a deck plate (honing plate) is installed. SO if you are checking cyl. and they are perfect it will not be when you torq the head on. use moly paste on the cam lobes and a few drops of high presure assembly lube on the bottom of the lifters for the best of both.  Make sure you use a zinc additive in the oil for cam break-in ( comp cams lucas ect)