What is the proper way to install crank bearings? My FSM said to shim the bearing until there is a slight resisitence when you turn the crank. I assume they mean when turning the crank by hand.

Also, would I use the same shim thickness for all the bearings? I would think not necessarily. But then, how would you know if one of the bearings was loose if the rest were shimmed properly to a "slight resistence".

Any advice?

Thanks.

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Bill

'60 Dodge Dart Pioneer

Vivian

I recently had my engine work done, and the crank wouldn't turn freely when sitting just on the mains. ended up having to get the block line honed, because the crank was within .001 round.

people here have more experience than I do, but I would say you want it to spin freely with the same gap at all areas. otherwise something would have to be out of round, and I believe that will cause uneven wear.

If I understand your question correctly, your FSM should have described the use of "Plasti-gauge" (sp). It is used to determine the bearing tolerance and whether you need over/under size bearings.

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Back in the old days they used to put shim stock under the bearings to change the clearances.

Today we just turn the crank and buy undersize bearings.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Thanks All,

Should I tell the shop how much to grind off the crank? Standard undersize is 0.01, right? Or should I let them determine how much they need to turn off based on the new bearings.

Should I be concerned about the accuracy of the centerline on the mains, like what sick6 experienced?

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Bill

'60 Dodge Dart Pioneer

Vivian

Let the machine shop determine how much to grind.

Let him see the old bearings you take out of the mains. You should be able to see an unusual wear pattern if the block needs align honed.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.