Topic: plastigauge bearings

[johnyvilla]

If I understand correctly, do you plastigauge bottom shells, tighten measure; then repeat for the top shells?

[kenolds]

I'll confess I have never used plastigage, but that sequence doesn't sound correct to me.  I believe you install the bottom shell, then the crank (or cam or whatever), then the plastigage, then the cap with the bearing shell in place.  Torque.  Unbolt and remove and measure the width of the plastigage.  The 'number" you get will be the total (diameter)clearance - which is what everyone uses - not the clearance per side (radius) that is generally not referenced. 

But, I could be wrong -

Kenolds

[MCRider]

I'll confess I have never used plastigage, but that sequence doesn't sound correct to me.  I believe you install the bottom shell, then the crank (or cam or whatever), then the plastigage, then the cap with the bearing shell in place.  Torque.  Unbolt and remove and measure the width of the plastigage.  The 'number" you get will be the total (diameter)clearance - which is what everyone uses - not the clearance per side (radius) that is generally not referenced.  

But, I could be wrong -

Kenolds

Close and close enough if you're careful. But first, its just one strip per journal. One strip does "both shells" in other words.

I'ld insert a shell, (5 actually) into the top case, which is laying on you bench upside down, lay a strip on each of those shells, avoid the oil holes, gently lay the crank in, do not turn it or let it turn. Put the bottom case on (which has shells installed in it) and torque it. Remove the bottom case, gently lift the crank and measure the gauge strips. Some may stick to the crank and lift off the shells. Others will stay with the shells. While the gauge package has the measurements on it, I prefer to use a caliper to measure the squished gauge, then transfer that to the package.

[johnyvilla]

 "One strip does "both shells" in other words." Thats what I was looking for.
Thanks.