This bearing distortion is called “side pinch.” Possible Causes: Bearing caps were filed down. So for a 2.45-inch small-block main journal, the bearing clearance would be 0.0024-inch. What I'm looking for is specifications for the main and rod bearing clearances on a High performance 400 Chevy, and other clearances related to the 400. Ex. When damage to a rod bearing is confirmed, it should be replaced. So sorry if it's been brought up before. Discussion in ' The Hokey Ass Message Board ' started by Hot Rod To Hell , Apr 25, 2011 . The factory specs include 2.450-inch main bearing journals and 2.100-inch rod journals, which means the target bearing clearance should be about … The Main Properties Engine Bearings Must Posses: Load Capacity (fatigue strength) is the maximum value of cycling stress that the bearing can withstand without developing fatigue cracks after an infinite number of cycles.. Re: SBC- rod bearing clearance Post by ProPower engines » Mon Oct 03, 2011 1:52 am If you can find a copy of the machinery's handbook that will help you a ton with engine related clearance concerns. Tighter oil clearances produce less peak loading on the bearings and the engine runs smoother with less vibration. The rod bearings were all adjusted with shims to be "loose", you could move them front-back by hand (about 0.0015-0,002" bearing clearance), because the shop thought this was the correct clearance. The crank main journal is 2.45. So a typical small-block Chevy 2.200-inch rod journal would call for a bearing clearance of 0.0022-inch. Plasitgauge is a proprietary system for measuring clearances between fitted surfaces of machine parts, such as crankshaft or camshaft bearings. I have driven the car about 200 miles since it was finished, and everything seems to be ok (no "bad" sounds that I can hear). In reality, the right way to check bearing clearances is with the proper tools. rod clearance is at .0025 We use to set rod side to side at .012 to .015 and we starting seeing "blueing" after about 10 nights. Let's say you measure 2.6500 on the journal with the outside micrometer, and 2.6525 with a dial bore gauge on the bearing. Race Series rod and main bearings are standard components in race engines that have set records and won championships from Mexico to Bonneville - from sport compact drift racing to small block NASCAR, IHRA and NHRA cmpetitions. Main and rod bearings clearances. Subtracting .194 from 2.6410 equals 2.447. Most rods are adequately chamfered, but some bearing shells have insufficient chamfer for proper clearance so builders often machine the bearing for proper clearance. Also, Replace the connecting rod if its bearing cap has been filed down. Joined: Aug 19, 2003 Clevite Engine Parts CB-663HN - Clevite H-Series Rod Bearings. For a smaller 2.100-inch rod journal, the accepted clearance would be 0.0021-inch. Step-25: Measure Rod Side Clearance. I'm working with a 216 engine, newly machined crankshaft, main bearing inserts (to match crank journal size), and re-babbitted connecting rods (also to match crank journal size). SBC Main and Rod bearing clearances. .002-.0025 for rods and .0025 -.003 for mains. Bearings are offered in oversize increments to compensate for worn or inaccurate sizing of the journals as well as the fitment of the connecting rods. ... oil pump/rod bolt clearance, and other little detail stuff. Chevy 350 Main and Rod bearing clearences???? I have a chev 350 4-bolt 2-pc rear seal, out of a 77 camaro. Another method would be to put a dial indicator against a counterweight and pry the crank back and forth to check how far it moves. Pair a STD half bearing with either a .001 or STDX half bearing to obtain your clearance. oil clearance for mains 1-4, and 0.0008-0.0038 in. Rod bearing (short for connecting rod bearing) Is the bearing where the connecting rod is attached to the rotating crankshaft. Maybe I sucks at using Google, and the forums search feature. Sounds like the mains are fine, but closer to the tight end of the scale. ... Be advised that Rod clearance is smaller than main clearance because of the diameter difference. Bearing clearances for higher RPM in a SBC? The clearance is the difference between the inside diameter of the assembled bearings in the connecting rod and main bores minus the outside diameter of the crankshaft rod and main journals. A spun rod bearing may also be caused by wearing down of the bearing with time, or even due to improper assembly in the engine. A quick demonstration how to measure a crank journal with a micrometer and measure a bearing with a bore gauge to determine clearance. 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