The Ford Barn

Flathead · 06-11-2012, 10:19 PM

I am checking clearances on my 1930 A. The pan has not been off in a long time judging by the crud on the outside of it. The rear main has shims that are .003 each. The clearance would be good if I left only one shim (.003) on one side of the cap. I don't have any thinner shims, is it OK to just have a shim on one side only? I figure I'm lucky to have any shims left at all.

columbiA · 06-11-2012, 10:41 PM

It is OK to remove a shim from one side to get the clearance you need.Measure both shim packs & if one is thicker than the other,then remove one from the thick side. When checking brgs,I fold a piece of alum foil until it is .002 thick & place it in side the cap & tighten it up.If the crank shaft binds up,then you know the brg adj is OK with foil removed.

Tom Wesenberg · 06-12-2012, 06:31 AM

On my 1949 Chevy truck with a 216 the Motor's manual said which side should have the thicker shim pack, if they were uneven. They didn't say why it was prefered to be on one side, and I don't recall which side was prefered. I've never heard the same recommendation about the Model A engine though, so I'd guess it won't matter as long as they are as close as possible on each side.

Flathead · 06-12-2012, 06:31 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks for the info.

06-11-2012, 10:19 PM	#1
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,498	Bearing Shim question I am checking clearances on my 1930 A. The pan has not been off in a long time judging by the crud on the outside of it. The rear main has shims that are .003 each. The clearance would be good if I left only one shim (.003) on one side of the cap. I don't have any thinner shims, is it OK to just have a shim on one side only? I figure I'm lucky to have any shims left at all.

06-11-2012, 10:41 PM	#2
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: Bearing Shim question It is OK to remove a shim from one side to get the clearance you need.Measure both shim packs & if one is thicker than the other,then remove one from the thick side. When checking brgs,I fold a piece of alum foil until it is .002 thick & place it in side the cap & tighten it up.If the crank shaft binds up,then you know the brg adj is OK with foil removed.

06-12-2012, 06:31 AM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Bearing Shim question On my 1949 Chevy truck with a 216 the Motor's manual said which side should have the thicker shim pack, if they were uneven. They didn't say why it was prefered to be on one side, and I don't recall which side was prefered. I've never heard the same recommendation about the Model A engine though, so I'd guess it won't matter as long as they are as close as possible on each side.

06-12-2012, 06:31 PM	#4
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,498	Re: Bearing Shim question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for the info.