Kolbenschmidt Plastic Gauge

Plastic Gauge provides a simple but precise method for the measurement of clearance between fitted surfaces. It is particularly useful for measuring clearance in split bearings or in situations where a feeler gauge cannot be inserted.

Instruction: determine of the bearing clearance
After removing the engine sump cover remove also the bearing cap. Clean the exposed surface of the journal and bearing shell. Trim a length of Plastic Gauge to fit across the journal. Apply a small quantity of grease to the journal to keep the measuring stripe in position. Apply silicone spray on the shell surface to prevent sticking the measuring stripe on the bearing surface while squeezing the stripe. Assemble the bearing cap and tighten the retaining screws to the manufacturer’s recommended tightening torque.

Attention!
Don’t rotate the crankshaft.

Now remove the shell once again by unscrewing the retaining screws to reveal the Plastic Gauge which will have been spread across the bearing surface as a stripe or band. Match the width of the Plastic Gauge stripe against the card gauge supplied and read off the bearing clearance. It is advisable to remove the Plastic Gauge stripe with a clean oily cloth before assembling the bearing cap.