Garage Storage Organization and Garage Cabinets

k-briggs · **plastiguage?**

hi, im doing my rod bearing tomorrow and i got some plastiguage so i can make sure i have the right bearings. but i dont know how to use it. any help would be awsome.

thanks
kyle

turbovanman · 07-29-2005, 10:46 PM

Make sure the journal and bearing halfs are clean of oil. Put the bearing in the rod end of course. Break a little plastiguage off, aprox 1/2 inch and lay on rod cap with bearing installed. Carefully lift up and install rod cap. Torque to spec and DON'T MOVE the crank when tightening. After thats done, undo rod cap and remove. You will see the PG has been squished. Use the handy dandy measuring tape on the package. You should be around .001-.003" If its less or more, you should try another bearing, mix and match and make sure you have the right size bearings. If that checks out, the crank needs machining and/or rod resizing.

bluneon · 07-29-2005, 10:46 PM

did the package not include instructions?

http://www.plastigaugeusa.com/

turbovanman · 07-29-2005, 10:47 PM

No, the package doesn't have instructions!

k-briggs · 07-29-2005, 10:52 PM

thanks. i didnt get a package. just a pice from the shop.

k-briggs · 07-30-2005, 01:26 PM

what should i be looking for number wise with the plastiguage?

turbovanman · 07-30-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k-briggs

what should i be looking for number wise with the plastiguage?

See post #2

k-briggs · 07-30-2005, 07:08 PM

oh, thanks.

Koreth · 08-01-2005, 10:39 PM

Question: how DOES one prevent the crank from turning? I have the flexplate off, and there doesn't seem to be any other place to jam a screwdriver or whatever to keep it from turning when I give it the final torquing with my torque wrench.

bluneon · 08-01-2005, 11:03 PM

torque the nuts perpandicular to the center line of the crank. don't torque it parallel to the centerline.

how are you pushing on the crank to spin it that easy? are any of the belts still on the motor?

Koreth · 08-02-2005, 01:30 PM

No, all that is left of the motor is a shortblock with the internals still inside, all pulleys, wheels, belts, etc. are all removed (saved for the crank timing pully, that one is a b*tch). I suppose it doesnt' help that the motor hasn't yet been cleaned, there still is a film of oil all on the inside of everything in the crankcase save for the journal I was trying to clearance. I guess that would include a small film of oil in the main bearings as well which would allow it to spin real easy.

daytonaer · 08-02-2005, 11:54 PM

just give the bearings a quick spray of brake cleaner, should get the oil off.

turbovanman · 08-02-2005, 11:57 PM

Oh and when your done, use brake cleaner to remove the plastiguage, I just wet a rag and wipe the pg off!

RSTURBO · 08-03-2005, 06:44 AM

How does one get the caps off w/o the crank moving...everytime I have tried it's so tight that the crank moves when I tap the bolts to loosen the rod end.