How hard to pry when checking crankshaft end play

Putting my F134 back together, had the cylinders bored and the crank turned. Used plastigage to check the main bearings (reading .003, which I assume is OK.) I then used a dial indicator to check the crank end play. One of the books I'm following says to use a pry bar to move the crank back and forth.

How big of a pry bar and how much force should I be applying? The reason I ask is that if I use a 3-foot pry bar and apply "reasonable" force, I get a reading of .006, which is right at the upper limit. Should I be using a longer pry bar and applying more force to see if it exceeds the .006? I've been too afraid to push any harder for fear of breaking something or harming the bearings.

 

All you want is to move the crankshaft to the limit of it's movement and that shouldn't take much force.

I use a 10 inch long screw driver with a large flat blade and put only about 10lbs of force on the end of the screw driver.


Eric

 

Awesome, thank you. I feel comfortable now with the .006 reading. It has one shim so I don't think I will mess with it anymore.

I worry too much sometimes.

Thanks again.