The Ford Barn

Dan McEachern · 07-28-2025, 03:33 PM

How much clearance do you measure between the crank shaft and the rod bore??
I would suggest .0015"/.0020" total clearance. If you don't have a good way to measure, plasti-gauge is better than nothing.

Or- install the rod on the crank pin with assembly lube or motor oil, torque to 50 ft-lbs. If no drag at all, start peeling shims evenly from both sides until you feel moderate resistance turning the rod. Add one shim back to one side only and you should have just the right amount of clearance. This is based on shim layers of about .002/.003" thick.

07-28-2025, 03:33 PM	#5
Dan McEachern Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 254	Re: Fitting Rod Bearings How much clearance do you measure between the crank shaft and the rod bore?? I would suggest .0015"/.0020" total clearance. If you don't have a good way to measure, plasti-gauge is better than nothing. Or- install the rod on the crank pin with assembly lube or motor oil, torque to 50 ft-lbs. If no drag at all, start peeling shims evenly from both sides until you feel moderate resistance turning the rod. Add one shim back to one side only and you should have just the right amount of clearance. This is based on shim layers of about .002/.003" thick.