05-10-2005, 11:59 PM
Plastigauge doesnt suck - its a cheap, easy to use tool thats good for shadetree mechanics like most of us.
If there is a larger problem at hand it will be readily apparent - its easy to rebuild a motor if you catch problems early - its a bit harder if the rod bearing has already spun and you have a bent rod sticking out the side of the crankcase.
I have no idea how you figure spec'ing the rod bolts will put any additional wear on the studs. Since they're coming off, you might as well replace them - and they should go through a few torque cycles before you tighten them on the final torque anyways so that you get the proper stretch on the bolt.
ViPER1313 Wrote:All that plastigauge will do is tell me that the crank is ever so slightly worn, and since most of the top SHO mechanics recommend not to use it because all you are doing is putting more stress on the rod studs
If there is a larger problem at hand it will be readily apparent - its easy to rebuild a motor if you catch problems early - its a bit harder if the rod bearing has already spun and you have a bent rod sticking out the side of the crankcase.
I have no idea how you figure spec'ing the rod bolts will put any additional wear on the studs. Since they're coming off, you might as well replace them - and they should go through a few torque cycles before you tighten them on the final torque anyways so that you get the proper stretch on the bolt.