1996 Johnson 225HP -- HELP WITH REBUILD

[2250_stratos]

I have a 1996 225 Johnson ocean runner series which I am rebuilding. I already got the block back, sleeved, honed, and cleaned. I have the rebuild kit ready to go. Heres the thing. I dissassembled this thing like 3 months ago and cant really remember all the exact steps to put it back together. I purchased the manual, but thats pretty much good for toilet paper as far as Im concerned. I know the basics, but I would feel more comfortable following a step by step guide to re-assembling it, plus I need to know the torque specs and things like that. Any info would help huge, trying to get back in the water asap. Thanks
Also, there is a plate on the inside of the crankshaft. It appears that when I took the crank out, I took out the 4 bolts that hold it together. It says "top" on it. does anyone know what side TOP refers to? Im guessing they are saying that that TOP stamp should be towards the piston/carburator side of the engine.
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Also,
1- do i need to put sealant or something on the bolts throughout the engine? someone told me its good to put some sort of sealant on the bolts before reinstalling them. The only time i ever put anything on bolts before was when i installed my transducer below the water line on my hull. Is that the same sealant i am supposed to use?

2- whats the best thing to use to clean my bearing journals before installing the bearings. (emory cloth, scotch brite pad,ect)

3- there is a hole in the main bearing, then another on the housing, and in a few other places a s well. These holes, im assuming are water passages, since there is no oil seperation in this engine, do they have to line up to each other? i didnt think so, but just wanted to be sure.

 

[racerone]

No !!! -----top means to face up to the sky / flywheel when assembled.

 

[2250_stratos]

Ok thanks, makes sense. Wasnt really sure if they were refering to that part of the ring facing up or down. Since the bolt pattern is the same all around, i wasnt sure if it mattered if the ring wasnt in the exact position as when i took out the bolts.

 

[daselbee]

Where you located? If close by, I could swing over and help you, if you want.

 

[racerone]

One side of the plate may be flat and the other side maybe not be " as flat "

 

[2250_stratos]

Thanks guys, I got the plate back in, the crank wasnt seated properly so it too was not seating. just had to line it up better and it slipped right in.