Setting any Rod, or Main Bearings for the Correct Clearance.

KohnkeRebabbitting

Setting shaft clearance is not to difficult.  1. The shaft clearance, on any bearing is .001 per inch of shaft. A  2" shaft is 2 thousandths clearance, ( Minimum ), and with a .000-50 thousandth, which would be ( Maximum.

Plastigauge is the most foolproof way of checking clearance. Those that says different, don't use it right. First, the bearing has to be clean of all old oil, and anything that qualifies as dirt. Then you have to use a couple of drops of 30 wt. oil, on the shaft, or pin, and the babbitt. If you don't use the oil, you will get false readings, because the plastigague will not slide out to its full potential. Always read the Plastigauge, on the crank. With out oil, Plastigauge will even will make an impression in the babbitt.

When adjusting a bearing, alternate, from side to side. Take out a .001 at a time. We use a sheet of 1 & 2 thousandths shim stock.

One thing about rods, make sure they have been checked for alignment, on true equipment. Very important.

Herm. 
    

Jon B

Thank you!