crank end play

dave blackburn · 06-17-2002, 09:14 PM

I am rebuilding my engine and would like to know how to adjust the crankshaft end play. Is this with the shims behind the flywheel. Also, should I add head gaskets or not? Looks like there might have been some blow by with the previous head gaskets. Thanks

DDS · 06-18-2002, 06:09 AM

I just did the end play. Get a dial gauge and magnetic base from Lee valley tools. Remove the thinnnest of the three shims, reassemble and torque the flywheel then use the dia gauge to measure the total endplay. Subtact .004" from that value to determine the thickness of the shim you will require. Reassemble with seal, grease, felt washer etc. and loctite and torque to 80ft-lbs.

I didn't use head gaskets. I used a sheet of 600 grit wet/dry paper on a thick piece of plate glass to true up the top of the barrels where they will mate with my newly flycut heads. We'll see what happens. Deck height is around .052", valve/piston clearance is around .080".

Va914 · 06-18-2002, 06:13 AM

Crank end play..

I used a dial indicator mounted to the case to measure the play. The 3 shims are to get the play within limits. I have been told to use 3 and only 3. The come in various sizes (thickness) to give you the correct play.

Some people just push/pull on the fly with arm strength and others hit the center with a rubber hammer and then pull.

Check the shoptalk forum for lots of help on this.

- Head gasket, I have heard is a No-No.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Head gasket is more of a "yes-no". VW said not to use them, but Porsche never followed suit. The VW tech bulletin said to not use the gaskets, but add a thicker cylinder base gasket to keep the stock compression ratio.

I know people who say to use a little valve lapping compound and lap the cylinders to the heads, and others who think it's a bad idea. There are professionals on each side of that question...

Most people seem to leave out the gaskets.

--DD