Checking out model a engine

[California Charlie]

Hi Everyone,

It's been a little while since I've been on the site. I am starting a new Model A project and I have a question for you.

I've dropped the engine pan to check out the lower part of the engine. All looks pretty good except I have a slight side to side movement on my piston connecting rods where they all attach to the crankshaft. Is this normal, or am I looking for trouble down the road if I run the engine like this. I don't seem to find any other connecting rod movement like up and down. It's just side to side. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

[J Franklin]

Measure the clearance while the pan is off, don't guess. Sideways movement may be ok but no rocking allowed!

[CWPASADENA]

How much are we talking about?

Check with feeler gages and let us know how much side clearance you have.

Actually, in my opinion, this is one of the least critical specs in the engine.

A little extra side to side clearance on the rods will not harm much.

My opinion,

Chris W.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

As stated above. The ford spec is at least .040" from either side.

[California Charlie]

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Thanks for the information. I managed to get a feeler gauge in all the side to side piston rod gaps and I managed to measure something like .012 - .013.