checking rod and main bearings

[fftoddster]

I have read several threads where it has been said that many times the floating rod bearings are reusable.

Before I pull engine apart can I/should I plastigage the bearings to check for wear (besides visual inspection)? I'm sure that best way would be to mic everything but I do not have mics.

New to the floating bearings. Can they be checked with plastigage? would it be done on both inside and outside of bearing at same time?

I'm trying to find more info on the floating bearings (have some books ordered but don't know how in depth they will get) All I have heard is the are not easy to set up properly...

 

[Talkwrench]

No not really . Floating bearings are done by measurement, plastigauge wont help. Someone will have the link on how to do them. IF you need anything machined double check they know about doing these, I lost a crank because they didnt. I found there is also a lot of "feel" when doing them. I dont bother about using the conrod assembled every time I just use the half [cap off]and you can feel if the bearing rocks in it or if its close it will glide smoothly, then do a final assembly and check.

 

[Lawrie]

Get the books by Ol Ron and JWL, they will tell you all you need to know about setting them up, and Yes, you need mikes, to measure the journal, rod ID and bearing thickness.
Floaters set up correctly are nearly bullet proof.
Lawrie

 

[Ggmac]

If your oil pressure was good , I'd just mark and bag each bearing and reuse .

 

[JSeery]

Here are the two books Lawrie as referencing if you are not familiar with them: