Topic: How Do YOU Plastigauge?

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

When you are Plastigauging your crank do you:

Put the whole bottom end together?

Put just the crank in and install all the case bolts?

Put just the crank in and install only the bolts around the mains?

What else?

I thought this would be an interesting subject from this diverse group.

[scunny]

Put just the crank in and install all the case bolts. yep that's me.
now to find out the right way... carry on gents

[wrenchmuch]

Just the bolts around the mains .

[HedNut]

Agreed'...main bolts...z'all ya kneed

[mick7504]

Hey Jerry
Main case bolts and take reading.
Never had a problem ever.
Some guys like plastigauge and some don't use it at all.
I have seen in the past, some get fanatical over micron measurements to the point of purism which I've never understood.
Journals in good condition and a clean assembly environment and I say you've got it licked.
A good oil pump, clean oil and good filtration and it'll love ya.
Mick

[MCRider]

Agreed. Keep it simple. Crank only (with or without rods) and the main bolts. Torque them properly  in sequence and in stages. No need to take them to max torque and stretch the bolts. Just use the lower mark of the range.16.6 ft lbs is what my manual has for a low, use for plastiauge., 18.1 ft lbs high, I use something close to that for final assembly.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Thanks guys. That's my thoughts also, just the main bolts. I'm installing studs. I like MC's suggestion about torqueing to the lower limit too. Don't have micrometers. I had all A's on the crank and B's on the cases = green. I had a buddy come over with his digital caliper. We each used our own and were in agreement. Green is good. It's time for verification! You know, this would easier if we did it all the time. I want to be slow and sure. I'm headed out to do studs!