Rod bearings - plastigage

[DVJ38]

Where can I get a plastigage? Advanced Auto Parts? Autozone?

 

[RAYJAY]

any auto parts store has them found this on there web site

Plastigage


Plastigage is a quick and easy device for checking bearing clearances. Available in four ranges to cover most applications. Twelve strips per package with a measurement gauge printed on each wrapper.

SPG-1 (green) .001 – .003 (.025MM – .075MM) range
SPR-1 (red) .002 – .006 (.050MM – .15MM) range
SPB-1 (blue) .004 – .009 (.10MM – .23MM) range
SPY-1 (yellow) .009 – .020 (.23MM – .50MM) range

 

[squidlips]

Here in Atlanta Autozone and Advance looked at me like I was crazy. I was able to get some at NAPA

 

[naval-avi8or]

Anyone who has used be able to elaborate on the exact process. I.E. with the old rod bearings in/out, How many strips per bearing and where you should place the strip(s). etc.

Here's my scenerio, I'm going to replace the rod bearings while I have my engine out and some what torn down for an engine swap. The motor has 113+K and I have only inspected one cap bearing. It looked fine with very minor wear connecting rod side my not be the same. I no alot of guys are changing there rod bearings and would imagine they are just buying new bearings and instaling them. If you use plastigage and the clearance is out of limits I asume you have to get the crank machined to accept the next size larger beaings. Any insight would be great.

 

[RAYJAY]

if motor is out of car do the mains as well


here is a link for ford muscle car on how too

http://www.fordmuscle.com/fundamentals/plastiguage/index.shtml

 

[Off Road SHO]

Anyone who has used be able to elaborate on the exact process. I.E. with the old rod bearings in/out, How many strips per bearing and where you should place the strip(s). etc.

QUOTE]


The instructions are right on the package (in 3 languages)and very easy to understand.

Tom

 

[rlw001]

It seems to me the purpose of the Plastigage is to ensure the bearing have the correct clearance? So if the Plastigage shows the the clearance is too great or too tight you have to get bearings other than stock size? Has anyone found this to be the case?

 

[Off Road SHO]

I've done 4 SHO motors myself and found all of them to be at .003 which is the outer limit of acceptable wear with our type of oil pump. We did JesseMachone's 3.0 and he came up with .002 the other day. Great gap there.

If you come up with a .004 or .005, then you should check into a re-ground crank and oversized bearings (expensive way) or go get another motor from a salvage yard (best way).

Tom