Measuring main bores?

[BenI]

I want to check my case and don't trust the local guy that has a bore gauge. Worse yet, I can't find anywhere to rent or buy one. I was wondering if this would be a reasonable way to check the bores:

Take a new set of bearings
Install bearings with strips of plastigauge
Torque case halves together


I'm just not sure this will tell me anything except if my case is so worn that I'm getting any "crush." What do you think? Thanks!

Ben

[norustscott]

You would need the crank in that process to be installed as well...

[BenI]

I could add the crank-so maybe it's not a completely stupid idea? (or maybe you're just being polite!)

[seventythree]

Plastigauge is used to measure clearance, not interference. Secondly, you need the align-bore gauge to determine if the bearing saddles are still on a straight centerline (case warpage).