Last weekend I attempted to measure the crankshaft end float as a means to
determining the shape of the thrust washers. I removed the radiator and
mounted a magnetic dial guage with the pointer against a block of 2X3
spanning across the flywheel. My girlfriend then pushed in the clutch pedal
and I used a taped crowbar to first gently move the crank rearward and
then between the engine and flywheel to move it forward. I also tried to
move it forward by engaging the clutch and also by both levering and using
the clutch together.
The result was not what I expected. I thought I would lever it rearward, get
a base reading, then lever the crank forward (and feel it move forward)
where I would encounter a "hard stop" and measure the change. Instead I got
a "soft stop" on the forward lever and when I backed off the pressure the
reading settled back from about .01" to around .004" - but not always
consistent. The spec is I believe .006 - .008".
Did I do this right? How much force do I need to use on the lever. Is the
.004" the measure I should use? Can this be better measured by taking off
the pan and bearing cap?
I've had this car for 8 years. It has about 80,000 miles on it with about
25,000 since I've had it. The thrust washers I'm quite sure have never been
changed and certainly not in my time. I was expecting either a measurement
way above spec or to pull the pan and find them in there.
Thanks for any help or just reassurance.
Jim Sloan
|