1.6 XU5J crank float query

[Grenouille 4 1 Cars]

I posed the same question on my overhaul thread but thought I’d have better luck asking directly on here. 

 

During my engine rebuild I’ve disconnected the big end bearings, torqued the main bearing caps to 46 Nm and found a reliable means of measuring the float (dial gauge directly onto the con rod end). This gives me a float of 0.06 mm when levered with a large crow bar.

 

As I lever it I get a higher reading of 0.1 mm approximately, however the needle settles back to 0.06 mm or so on release. 

 

The specification that I’ve read quotes 0.07 to 0.27 mm tolerance.

 

Is this an acceptable end float?

[Tom Fenton 1,541]

Not sure how you are trying to measure it is the best way to be honest.

 

If you have feeler gauges use those. If you can get gauges totalling somewhere in the stated tolerance size down the side as a snug slide fit then it is correct.

[Grenouille 4 1 Cars]

Thanks for the response Tom.

 

I would have thought a clock would be a better way of measuring float....

 

Unfortunately I don’t happen to have 0.07 mm in feeler gauges! 0.05 mm fits fairly well, 0.1 mm doesn’t.

 

It’s very tempting to say its “good enough” I must admit!

[Grenouille 4 1 Cars]

So I had another look at it this morning.

 

Whilst applying pressure I manage 0.1 mm of movement on the clock and I can get the 0.1 mm feeler gauge in between the thrust bearing and crank. I’m happy that this is acceptable float; I’m not applying excessive force to achieve this and I don’t think it should be free float that is measured; it should be total float/travel.

 

Comments welcome. 

 

Now to find the big end bearing torque settings...

[petert 586]

This is the best way to do it. As you say, 0.07-0.27mm.

[Grenouille 4 1 Cars]

Thanks PeterT for your reply, I saw the same graphic elsewhere and lo and behold found that the upright of my mag base had the exact same thread as one on the block. I felt as if the stars had aligned when that happened!