Can end play change???
 

Is it possible for crank end play to change??? If so, what is the cause??? Thanx, Gary

Yes, shims wear, the case wears, and the #1 bearing wears.........

Thanks Jake, I could have guessed the bearing. If I find the end play out of spec. and re-set, won't I just be asking for more bearing wear?

Yup. And, what's even more fun, wear on the crankcase itself! You really don't want to find out first-hand how hard to find and expensive "align-bore" bearings for these motors are... Trust me.

--DD

RIMCO has .020 over align bore bearings in std and .010 under on crank main journal for $70. The ones you don't want to go looking for are the ones that fit when you cut the thrust bearing saddle.

Thanks all for your input. I've been hearing a noise that comes & goes & it's not valve clearance. When the engine is stone cold there is no noise. But when the oil temp reaches about 180F. @ an idle, that's when you either hear the noise or you don't. It's not valves. Valves in this motor stay adjusted really well. I've yet to find one more than.002" off in four years of daily driving. Rimco??? I've used them to machine (TRW) jet engine components years ago. They do excellent work. You think I should tear it down or shine it on? Other than this irritating noise it runs strong, smooth and gets about 20 mpg city driving.

I would try to eliminate various problems one by one by the process of investigation/elimination. I think you can do a crude check on endplay through the bell housing. If you can see it move as you gently pry it back and forth, that would not be good. .003 is not too visual. Hell, it might have something to do with the throwout bearing, or something simple like that. Try to listen when it make the noise with an auto stethescope.

Remove the alternator belt and try shoving the fan in and pulling it out. If there is more than a just barely perceptible movement, you've got trouble. I'm not sure if "just barely perceptible" means it's fine, but I know if there is a noticeable amount of movement you will want to tear the motor down...

--DD

I have all the main bearings in stock....finally found a good source on them...

On the thrust bearings, we are having them made and they are working great!

Thanks. Will do.