Plastigage use

Jim Isler · Jan 31, 2012

If I"m reassembling my H after a ring and valve job, is it necessary or useful to use the gauge?

glennster · Jan 31, 2012

if you replaced the main or rod bearings, i would check them with plastigauge

ScottyHOMeY · Jan 31, 2012

As long as things are all apart, there's no better time for a quick check of the main and rod bearings. If the clearances are good and she was otherwise running fine, button her back up.

If you find clearances too wide (like especially if you have to move up to the next size plastigage to even get a reading) you may want to think about having the crank turned and new bearings. Can't ignore the expense of that, but it'll never be easier to deal with that while you've got it apart. How are your wrist pins and bushings?

El Toro · Jan 31, 2012

You also may need cam bearings. Hal

sflem849 · Jan 31, 2012

(quoted from post at 10:57:17 01/31/12) You also may need cam bearings. Hal

How do you check the cam bearings?

rustyfarmall · Jan 31, 2012

(quoted from post at 11:42:34 01/31/12)

(quoted from post at 10:57:17 01/31/12) You also may need cam bearings. Hal

Click to expand...

How do you check the cam bearings?

Really is no good way to check the cam bearings other than pull the cam out and eyeball the bearings. If they look worn, replace them.

No need to worry about it if the engine was carrying good oil pressure and running good before you tore it down.

Janicholson · Jan 31, 2012

It is not a "gauge" it is a tiny noodle of plastic that when smashed in a journal flattens as it is smashed. the paper that the noodle comes in has graduated stripes that are used to measure the flatness after removal of the cap where the test is being conducted.
On main bearings, the crank must be supported from under the tractor if the engine is installed. this support removes the weight of the crank from the cap (which would flatten the noodle too much and not be accurate.) Do not turn the crank while noodles are being flattened, it will be wasted noodle city. Jim

sflem849 · Jan 31, 2012

(quoted from post at 16:28:06 01/31/12) It is not a "gauge" it is a tiny noodle of plastic that when smashed in a journal flattens as it is smashed. the paper that the noodle comes in has graduated stripes that are used to measure the flatness after removal of the cap where the test is being conducted.
On main bearings, the crank must be supported from under the tractor if the engine is installed. this support removes the weight of the crank from the cap (which would flatten the noodle too much and not be accurate.) Do not turn the crank while noodles are being flattened, it will be wasted noodle city. Jim

Good call Jim. After reading the original post it does sound like he doesn't really know what it is. It could only be used on the rod bearings when doing a ring job. I also would have done it during disassembly rather than reassembly. I hate waiting on parts. :lol:

teddy52food · Jan 31, 2012

Pull the cam & mike both the bearing and the journal . The differance is the clearance. Not more than .003 is good.

Plastigage use

Jim Isler

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glennster

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ScottyHOMeY

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El Toro

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sflem849

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rustyfarmall

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Janicholson

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sflem849

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teddy52food

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