Hudson 1955 Rambler, Technical & Service Manual

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Crankshaft Main Bearing Clearance
The standard clearance of .0005" to .0015"
on the "Hornet" and "Wasp' Series and .001"
to .0015" "Rambler" Series can be accurately
checked by the use of Plastigage.
NOTE: When checking bearing clearance
with the engine in such a position
that the bearing caps support the
weight of the crankshaft and fly-
wheel, keep all main bearing caps
tight except the one being checked.
Support the weight o f the crankshaft
with a jack.
Remove the bearing cap and wipe the oil
from the bearing insert.
Place a piece of Plastigage across the
full width of the bearing insert (Fig. 36).
Reinstall the bearing cap and tighten
75-80 foot pounds torque (dry) on the
"Hornet" and "Wasp" Series and 66-70 foot
pounds torque (dry) on the "Rambler" Series.
Then remove the bearing cap and with the
graduated scale, which is printed on the
plastigage envelope, measure the width of the
flattened plastigage at its widest point
(Fig. 37). The number within the graduation
indicates the clearance in thousandths of an
inch. Install the proper size bearing liners
(inserts) to bring the clearance to standard.
Before installing crankshaft or main bearing
inserts, the journals must be inspected for
condition and dimensions.
Main Bearing Journals
Main journals can be measured without remov-
ing the crankshaft from the engine block.
There are various gauges for this use, one
of which is shown in Figure 40.
FIGURE 40—Measuring Main Bearing Journal
To operate this gauge, remove the main
bearing cap and place the gauge against the
crankshaft journal
Then release the plunger so that it is up
against the journal and lock the adjusting
screw in position. Remove the gauge carefully
and double the micrometer reading across the
pin and anvil in the center of the
"V". This reading is the diameter of the
journal.
Always check the journal at both ends for
taper. Then rotate the shaft 90° and measure
for out-of round. The out-of-round and taper
limit is to be held to .001".
Main Journal
Series Diameter
"Hornet" 2.4988"-2.4998"
"Wasp" 2.4988"-2.4998"
"Rambler" 2.4791"-2.4798"
Connecting Rod Bearing or
Series Crankpin Diameter
"Hornet" 2.1244"-2.1254"
"Wasp" 1.937" -1.938"
"Rambler" 2.0948"-2.0955"
Main bearing caps are recessed into the
engine block and line reamed. Therefore, it
is not practical to replace them in the field.
Crankshaft End Play
The "Hornet" and "Wasp" Series end thrust of
.003" to .009" is taken at the No. 3 main
bearing. The "Rambler" Series end thrust of
.003" to .008" is taken at the flanged front
main bearing.
MAIN BEARING OIL SEALS
"Hornet" and "Wasp" Series
The rear main bearing oil seal is a metal
backed neoprene lined seal made in two
identical halves. The upper half can be
removed without removing the crankshaft by
removing the rear main bearing cap and
applying pressure against the metal part of
the seal with a 1/4" brass rod. At the same
time, rotate the flywheel to assist in
removing the seal.
At time of installation of the seals, coat
the groove of the seal with non-hardening
sealer.
1. Packing Groove
2. Oil Seal
FIGURE 41— Rear Main Bearing Oil Seal
"Hornet" and "Wasp" Series