The distances between bearings and internal engine components require tight tolerances to ensure engine components receive the correct amount of oil and to ensure the components do not have excessive movement. Excessive movement causes the engine to become unbalanced. An unbalanced engine will vibrate in high revving situations. Vibration will cause the shifting components to wear the bearings and lead to engine failure. A plastic gauge displays the actual clearances between components to ensure all pieces fit correctly.
Clean the surface of the bearing and the surface of the engine component thoroughly with a clean rag.
Use a utility knife to cut a 1/2-inch length from a length of plastic gauge. Set the cut piece of plastic on top of the cleaned engine component.
Assemble the bearing and engine component. Refer to a torque chart to determine the torque required for the component to bearing connection. Tighten the bolts of the connection to the required torque with a torque wrench.
Loosen and carefully disassemble the connection.
Set the measuring guide -- supplied with the plastic gauge -- on top of the widened plastic gauge. Move the guide until both sides of a guide mark align with both edges of the plastic gauge. When the guide and edges of the gauge align, you have the clearance between the bearing and engine component.
