The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop bearing clearances on main caps

Sorry I forgot to mention a couple of things. There were no shims when I took the motor apart and it appeared to be the original engine. I know it is period correct and it came from an older couple in Utah that used it on a farm. It sat for about 20 years. The motor was completey locked up when I tore it down. I had the block punched out .030 with new pistons. Lastly the crankshaft was turned .010 on both sides (main caps and connecting rods with the rods reconditioned. Every thing has been replaced except the crankshaft and connecting rods. Everything else has been replaced. The block and the head had been checked and magnafluxed. The replacement main bearing were purchased NOS at .010 and the manufacturer was Johnson bearing. The connecting rod bearing were purchased from Patrick's and they were cleviate, however I did not make it that far. I read they did away with shims in 1956.

I still do not understand this "(Plastic gauge method) not over .0045” not less than .005” New bearing shell clearances should be .003” maximum and .0005” minimum." why is there two different settings?