I recently watched a mechanic assemble a short block. Main caps in, crank in, a bit of Plastigage and then torque down the main caps. Removed the caps and measured the length of Plastigage against a scale that came with the product. Then reassembled the main caps.
What is the purpose of Plastigage and what do the measurements mean? What can you do if the measurements are wrong?


1949 Chevy 1/2-Ton
"Sedgewick"
In the Gallery
1989 Caprice