Bearing clearance is the distance between the crankshaft journal and the bearing surface. It is usually referred to as oil clearance, as that's what is occupying the space.
When rod bearing clearance is too tight the end result is what is called a spun bearing -- definitely a bad thing. Bearing clearance is the difference between the inside diameter of the bearing and the outside diameter of the crankshaft journal to which it is clamped. The bearing is supplied pressurized oil fed by the oil pump, it should never touch the crankshaft journal but should always float on a wedge of oil. If the clearance is too tight the bearing touches or drags on the crankshaft journal and the journal grabs the bearing and spins it inside the housing into which it is clamped -- which in the case of a rod bearing is the big end of the connecting rod. Once this happens it all pretty much self destructs as it chews up the big end of the connecting rod and the crankshaft journal as well.
Type your answer here... If your looking in a book then you need to find rod bearing clearance SPECS. for your year and engine SIZE.
The best tools for measuring oil clearance on crankshaft bearings are typically a micrometer and a dial indicator. A micrometer is used to measure the thickness of the bearing shell and the journal, while a dial indicator can help check for any runout or irregularities. Additionally, plastigage can be used as a quick and effective method to measure oil clearance by providing a visual indicator of the gap between the bearing and journal.
I believe the clearance should be within .002 and .007 thousands of an inch. and also the end play clearance, should be between .002 and .007. you should check the bearing caps with plastic gauge, and the end play wiyh a feeler gauge.
For a complete guide on checking tilting pad clearance in journal bearing visit johncraneorion.com/literature/catalogs/catalog.pdf
That is another word for---The place on the crankshaft were the rod bearings are and were the crankshaft bearings are.
to support crankshaft
The clearance between a rod bearing and a journal typically ranges from 0.001 to 0.003 inches (0.025 to 0.076 mm), but it can vary depending on the engine design and application. Proper clearance is crucial for oil film formation, temperature management, and overall engine performance. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the optimal clearance for specific engines.
bearing clearence is measured using the venier callipers.you join the 2 shells to form a circle then measure the inward diameter using your venier and likewise measure your crankshaft main journal oval diameter then subtract the main journal diamterfrom shell diameter/.OR you simply put the crankshaft into its position and put the other bearing cap and measure using a filler gauge (make sure both caps have their shell bearings),..
You wouldn't want oil to be taking up part of your clearance and give a false reading with the plastigage.
Interference between journal bearing to bearing housing is called bearing crush.