How do you fix too much crankshaft end play?
If the end-play is excessive, it can be corrected using a thicker sided thrust bearing or by removing the crankshaft and welding and regrinding the thrust journal.
Why do you need crankshaft end play?
End play is important because it limits the fore and aft movement of the crankshaft in the block. If an engine is assembled with too much end play in the crank, or if the thrust bearing fails, the forward movement of the crankshaft in the block can chew up the main bearing caps and block.
What is crankshaft end play definition?
Crankshaft “end play” is measured as the clearance between the crankcase thrust washer and the axial mating surface of the crankshaft (see Figure 1).
How much play should there be in a crankshaft?
Generally speaking, keeping the thrust clearance at 0.004 to 0.005-inch is appropriate but it is best to check the recommended clearance. For example, late model engines prefer a slightly tighter clearance to minimize travel of the crank sensor reluctor wheel.
Which instrument is used to check the end play of crank shaft?
End play is measured at the crankshaft pulley when the engine is installed in vehicle, and at the flywheel when the engine is removed. In both cases use a dial gauge mounted in P 17 holder.
How do you check thrust block clearance?
The accepted method of checking thrust clearance, involves jacking the shaft axially to the end of its travel in one direction and then back to the limit of travel in the other. Total movement of the thrust shaft (about 1 mm being typical) is registered on a dial gauge.
What is end float?
End float is the amount by which a shaft can move lengthwise. The lubricated grooves allow the hubs to shift if shafts are misaligned or subject to end float.
How do you check the crankshaft end play?
Gently pry the crank all the way forward and zero the gauge. The crank should move with very little effort and the dial indicator will read the clearance. In this case, we only have 0.002-inch so the thrust will need massaging. It’s worthwhile to discuss first why it’s important to have a thrust bearing.
What do you need to know about end play?
For this story, we’ll be looking at thrust clearance or what is often called end play. This is the amount of clearance between the crankshaft’s thrust plate and the vertical surface of the main thrust bearing. Mount a magnetic base to the engine and set the dial indicator to read off the crank snout.
How is end play measured on an itinerant?
It is regulated in front by the flywheel and shims/bearing surface, and in the case by the crankshaft/bearing surface. Ideally, end play is measured with a dial indicator mounted to the case, while you push the crank pulley/fan in and out. The dial indicator needle should be at a distinct 90* to the flywheel, with the tip fully engaged.
Where is the thrust located in a crank endplay engine?
This makes crank endplay a spec that cannot be overlooked, and that alone should motivate all but the laziest of engine builders. We will be using both a small- and big-block Chevy for the images in this story, but the process is the same for all engines even when the thrust is located in the center main bearing as with Fords and the GM LS.