Engine: 289 crank play

[lelshaddai]

I am finishing up the 62 1/2 full flow 289. When I was installing the pulley hub I noticed some play front to back in the crank. I did not do any adjustments or removals to the lower end. It was probably there before. It is close to 1/64. It ran really well when I took it out of the car. I would rather not go into the engine if it can be helped. There was no vibrations when engine was in the car. Thoughts?

[Mike Van Veghten]

What does..."close to" mean ?

1/64" is .015" Is "close to" meaning maybe .013", or .010" or .008...or...

What tool(s) are you measuring this with, that you use a fraction for the dimension ? You should be using a dial indicator, or at least a (pair of) feeler gauge, which both measure in thousandths of an inch.

Mike

[lelshaddai]

I agree I need a better measurement. I know the specs are .003 to .006. By the way it feels it’s gonna be more than that.

[lelshaddai]

Used a dial measurement, play was .011.

[StudeRich]

So there is your answer, there are likely No, or insufficient Shims between the Thrust Washer and the Front Main Bearing & journal of the Crank.

The best way to check the end play, is using a piece of 2 Inch Exhaust Pipe as spacer & large washer to save pressing the Hub on and off at each adding or deleting of Shims.

Unless in your case, if you believe that .011, maybe just add =REMOVE .006 or .007
Of course the downside is tearing the Engine apart again. If this is an Automatic Car it will be tempting to just leave it.

[StudeRich]

Thanks Bez, I am not really Dyslectic, but sometimes Up/Down, Less/More Challenged !

[bezhawk]

Adding shims INCREASES end play. You need to take some out, or install a thinner shim.

[lelshaddai]

If it was new parts installed I would tighten it up. This is older parts in an automatic car. The play is less than I thought and it was running well when I pulled it. I don't want to open her up at this point. I do appreciate all the information though. Always great to hear from the expert group.