Plastigage and Rod play...

[KicknAsphlt]

So, I have a couple of quick questions -- first, as some of you have read, I picked up a shortblock that the guy said had only about 70k on it, no rod knock, running great when he pulled the motor. So, my question is....should there be any side play at all on the rods? I'm not talking about anything huge, but maybe a millimeter if that....just curious, never been into the bottom end of a motor before.

Second question -- Any of the Denver or Northern CO guys have any green Plastigage they could spare...or do you know where to get some locally? Summit lists it for a couple bucks, but as we all know, they charge about 11 for s/h charges....and that's just asinine to pay that for a $2 item...

Thank Guys, I appreciate any inputs/help.

 

[gaboonviper85]

got to napa auto parts and get the plastiguage

 

[IJ.]

Side clearence on the rods is 6>12 thou.

 

[jdub]

Thrust clearance on the rods is .0063" - .0117"...max .0118"

1mm would be HUGE.

 

[Zumtizzle]

^

I Just opened up my motor, and i had no movement on any of them.

 

[KicknAsphlt]

How do I check thrust clearance? Granted, it's probably not 1mm, but I feel a little shift when I try to wiggle the rod cap with my fingers.

**Edit** I could probably get some vid if anyone needs it...

 

[IJ.]

Either a dial indicator or feeler gauges.

 

[jdub]

http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/Library/TSRM/MK3/manual.aspx?Section=EM&P=68

Note: 2 of the 3 inch values for thrust clearance are wrong on this TSRM page. The values I posted above were converted from mm.

 

[IJ.]

0.006299194 to 0.01165351

and 0.01181099 max then if we're going to be exact

 

[jdub]

LMAO...*looks around for subatomic caliper*

 

[IJ.]

Why, does your Subatomic have a gammy leg?

 

[jdub]

:kickinthenuts:

 

[IJ.]

Explains the leg if you go around kicking it

 

[KicknAsphlt]

http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/Library/TSRM/MK3/manual.aspx?Section=EM&P=68

Note: 2 of the 3 inch values for thrust clearance are wrong on this TSRM page. The values I posted above were converted from mm.

I love how the TSRM doesn't go into specifics of how to check the thrust clearance....lol. Guess that's what Google is for, right?

I'm guessing I set up the feeler gauges to the proper thickness and slide 'em down into the journal between the rod and journal shoulder...?

 

[jdub]

A feeler gauge goes down to .001"...plenty accurate enough and easier to do. Just use .012" and try to fit in the gaps with the rod full forward or aft...it should not fit. Do the same thing with .006"...it should fit in the gaps. This way you've checked the min/max range.

 

[KicknAsphlt]

So I'd push on the rod cap to the front or rear of the block, and try and fit the feelers in there....then do the same for the opposite side? Sounds pretty easy...

**Edit** And I take it that the rod should be at the apex of the rotation like when checking bearing clearances, right?

 

[jdub]

Yes, checking both sides will just make double sure, but is not neceaasry.

And yes

 

[KicknAsphlt]

Awesome! Thanks Jdub... :bigthumb:

 

[KicknAsphlt]

Ok, dredging this thread back up...LOL! Anyway, depending on what plays out when I check these bearing/thrust clearances, I most likely won't be doing a MHG on this block....that's if the bearings check out good and what not. If I have to tear it apart, then I'll go MHG again, buuuut....I'm hoping for the more frugal option...HA!

Now, on to the question. Should I not have to pull the block apart, what's the best/stoutest Head Gasket to use, excluding MHGs obviously...

Thanks,