Checking Bearing Clearance

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Best method
plasti gauge or dial indicator ? CHECK Dry and then lube or check with oil in them ? I've done it both ways before , want to know what others think .
BUD

Comments

  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Bud-



    Don't know what is considered "right", but I always check dry, with a dial/(or digital, which I prefer) indicator. Oil up if you are checking fit and then grease bearings by packing them accordingly, either by hand or with a plastic bearing packer. Afterwards, grease all fittings. That's my shade-tree scholaring, anyway.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Best method I have found, and cheapest - fold a small section of cooking foil over four times, and trim it 1/4" wide, and the length of the journal. Lay it in the bearing, and tighten up, then try and turn the motor over. If it is tight to turn, you have the correct clearance. This foil is .0005" thick, so a four-fold thickness is .002", which should make the motor bind. Doesn't damage the crank or the bearing, and it's dirt cheap. Of course you have to take the spark plugs out first, and remove the flywheel cover so you can turn the motor by the flywheel. Ascertain how free the motor turns over first, and then try it with the foil in the bearing. If the motor turns freely, you add folds of shim two at a time until the motor binds, this gives you accurate estimate of clearance. for instance, if motor is tight with 6 folds of shim, you have .003" clearance. Good luck,

    Geoff.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Geoff-



    That's ingenious, I like it . . .and like you said, cheap, too!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    RL Chilton wrote:
    Geoff-



    That's ingenious, I like it . . .and like you said, cheap, too!
    NO, That's Geoff Clark and if it didn't work he sure as heck wouldn't do it ! And as allways the simplest way is usually the best . ---Hey Geoff , when I get down to the last couple thousands would cooking foil and freezer foil [HEAVIER] be OK for the stud shims on the caps ?---Bud
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Yes, they are fine.

    Geoff.
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:
    Yes, they are fine.

    Geoff.



    What is great about Geoff's method, is that it works great wnen the engine and crank are in the car. The weight of the flywheel and crank will crush a plastiguge if you are checking mains..giving a false reading. No substitute for experience..
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    SuperDave wrote:
    What is great about Geoff's method, is that it works great wnen the engine and crank are in the car. The weight of the flywheel and crank will crush a plastiguge if you are checking mains..giving a false reading. No substitute for experience..
    ---I have had plasti gauge give false readings just if parts are not handled/assembled carefully . I have it out/upside down so Geoff's method should make it very easy AND accurate as I can do the crank then do the rods THANKS GEOFF
    BUD
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I have used Plasigauge to ck. the main brgs. in the car. I put a jack under the flywheel and the vibration damper to hold the crankshaft up, checking one at a time. Norm
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