Engine Bearing Clearance

[DBSHELTON]

I need to check the bearing clearance in my 30 Huckster. The engine is pretty noisy to me compared to me 29 Tudor. For some reason this job intimidates me. No idea why but it is something different to me. Would think nothing of dropping the pan and checking if it had insert bearings. I have some plastigauge and can do this on my lift. Any tips from you pros on doing this? Also, what to look for as far as making other noises.

[CWPASADENA]

When checking the main bearings, just be sure that the crank is full up into the block so all the clearance is in the cap. I use a length of 2x4 and a jack to force the crank all the way up.


If not, you may not get an accurate reading.


Other than that, it is straightforward.


Chris W.

[Aarongriffey]

If you can stand up on your hind legs while under the engine it should be a cake walk.
Let the oil drain at least overnight before dropping the pan,if you can.
I like to have a table or stand right beside me to keep tools handy and parts within reach and organized.

Do one bearing at a time. Get the cap off, plastic gage it, make adgustment and put it back together.
If the clearance is .0018 or less put it back together and torque the nuts.
If it is more than .0025 I would make an adjustment. Some would leave it that way.
If you have to leave some with more than .002 I would use 20-50 oil from now on.
It’s more likely the timing gear and/or the pistons are noisy.
I like to put some Right Stuff or Super Black RTV on the gasket wherever gaskets meet, put the pan on but don’t squeeze the gasket too tight, wait a day and then snug everything down.and check the pan plug.
I assume you know the oil pump I’ll fall out with the pan?? Put a bolt in it first.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Aarongriffey

I assume you know the oil pump I’ll fall out with the pan?? Put a bolt in it first.

The thread is NPF Don't mess up the threads. Also now is the time to inspect that pump.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

If you do not have teh correct bolt, this link is what you can purchase/use.


https://www.brattons.com/oil-pump-holder-tool.html

[DBSHELTON]

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Thanks, I will probably tackle this project this week. Really wanting to install the Lion Speed 7:1 head but want to look at bearings first.

[kenparker]

Do not use a National Fine thread bolt. It WILL mess up the threads in the block. Order one of the thingees offered by the vendors that is made for that purpose. The threads in the block are National PIPE.

[DBSHELTON]

Originally Posted by kenparker

Do not use a National Fine thread bolt. It WILL mess up the threads in the block. Order one of the thingees offered by the vendors that is made for that purpose. The threads in the block are National PIPE.

I bought one a long time ago. I knew it was something I would need some day.

[Patrick L.]

For all the time it takes to do this, I set them at .0015"

[john charlton]

I have had two very noisy engines particularly on idle . The centre of the "Celeron" timing wheel on both engines had become loose and chattered on idle . Very noisy sounded like everything was about to let go . Would be worth a check, remove the side plate on the cam gear housing and see if the gear is loose ,push it ahead and astern if it moves at all could be the source of some of your engine noise.

John in Suffolk County England .

[Patrick L.]

John brings up a very good point. Sometimes we get a little shortsighted.

[J Franklin]

It never hurts to check bearing clearance. Sometimes just dropping the pan and looking can find excess loosens without even removing the bearing caps. checking the timing gear is a good idea also.