New shrt block, inspect bearings?

may i suggest that you spray a bit of wd-40 on the plasti gauge before you torque the cap down. that way it won't stick.
if the 383 has a neophine rear seal just push it in with something flat like a 1/4" dowel as you turn the crank and it will come right out. rope ones are a tad tougher to do.
with 10,000 miles on the motor the bearings should be fine. if after you remove a few caps and everything likes good just close it back up.