is there a correct way to do it? i,m tryin to be a little more refined in my assembly practices.i know how to shadetree it, BFH.

bolts or studs out and rock them back and forth , turn the crank so the counterweight is out of the way . # 3 is the hardest , sometimes you can grab he center with visegrips to help wiggle it.

I can't even see how you could get a hammer in there and have it be helpful ?

I've always wondered if it's safe to drill and tap a cast iron main cap so one could use a slide hammer like you see alum caps ?

On the drilling and tapping... firing pressure puts the bottom surface of the cap in tension. Any disturbance, gap, scratch ect. can create a stress riser and start a crack. Not a good idea to drill a cap that wasn't designed for it.

I use the old bolts as handles to rock #3 out. Even on a studded block I take the studs out before pulling the caps - since they're not supposed to be in there tight anyways (the studs - not the caps!). Rubber mallet - NEVER a hammer.

I used to use the palm of my hand to knock them loose.

I have an engine with pro gram main caps, they have a notch in the sides to pry up with, sure is nice.

It sure is a PITA with studded mains