Using Plasti-Gauge

[nytescion]

is there a right up or walk-through for using plasti-gauge during a crank and rod install? I've tried searching but came up with nothing.

 

[NN4S]

Wipe the mating surfaces you are measuring the clearance between with a clean paper towel to be sure that they're clean & dry. Cut a piece of Plastigage to fit across the bearing surface (it will lay parallel to the crank centerline) and place it on the cap bearing in a position to clear any oiling holes. Fit the bearing cap and torque the bearing in steps just as though you were intalling it permanently, but be sure that you do NOT turn the crank. Once the bearing is torqued, remove the bearing cap and bearing carefully and use the measuring guide on the paper wrapper to determine your clearance at the widest point of squish. Search for plastigage on the web and you should come across a good write up on it's use (I can't do it since I'm at work, but this should have given you the gist of it anyway).

 

[ArticNemesis]

It should also be noted that the plastiguage should have squished pretty evenly across the journal. If part of the plastiguage is larger then other parts of it, you potentially have a tapered journal or warped bearing cap. If that becomes the case, seek the help of a machine services business close to you and have them measure it if you don't have a micrometer and are proficient with it.

 

[Defiant]

Jesus, dude. The web is full of Plastigage sites. Google.