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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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Plastiguage

  • Thread starter Thread starter JD1964
  • Start date Start date Oct 23, 2016

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
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Oct 23, 2016
#1
  • Oct 23, 2016
  • #1
When using Plastiguage I know the journals should be dry where the Plastiguage thread gets placed. However, can I put assembly lube on the other side? For instance, lube the mains that are in the block but leave the cap side dry for the measurement. Then after measuring and verifying correct clearance, lube the cap side and tq down finally. Same for the rods. Lube rod side only for measurements the lube cap side for final assembly?
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
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In the garage
Oct 23, 2016
#2
  • Oct 23, 2016
  • #2
i don't you want to measure tolerances dry with no lube, then I pull it apart, take out the crank and then apply assembly lube to the bearings.
 
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JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
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Oct 23, 2016
#3
  • Oct 23, 2016
  • #3
mikestang63 said:
i don't you want to measure tolerances dry with no lube, then I pull it apart, take out the crank and then apply assembly lube to the bearings.
Click to expand...

you mean why dont I?

Lazy I guess. It's not a big deal for the crank itself. But carefully positioning the rods dry then pulling them away from the journals to lube seems like extra work. If I have to I will. No biggie. I don't want to cut corners on a good assembly. But if I can streamline....why not?
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
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Oct 23, 2016
#4
  • Oct 23, 2016
  • #4
Mains are all at .001 , give or take a smidgen.

I'll post pics later
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
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Oct 23, 2016
#5
  • Oct 23, 2016
  • #5
Rods are between .0015 and .002.

Going together nice!
 

liljoe07

5 Year Member
Feb 18, 2009
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Oct 24, 2016
#6
  • Oct 24, 2016
  • #6
John Dirks Jr said:
Mains are all at .001 , give or take a smidgen.

I'll post pics later
Click to expand...
That's real tight. Better hope the journals are real round.
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
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Oct 24, 2016
#7
  • Oct 24, 2016
  • #7
liljoe07 said:
That's real tight. Better hope the journals are real round.
Click to expand...

According to my manual allowable clearance is from .0004 to .0021. So, I'm well within those limits.
 

liljoe07

5 Year Member
Feb 18, 2009
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#8
  • Oct 24, 2016
  • #8
Ok
 

rd

Founding Member
Jan 12, 2000
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Oct 24, 2016
#9
  • Oct 24, 2016
  • #9
I have always used plastigage with dry bearings and crank. If the crank had oil on it for preservation, just clean the journals with a paper towel and carb cleaner to measure. You are not rotating the crank during the check, should not hurt anything. Then oil the crank when you are done.
 
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