Front E-Shaft Bolt / Thrust Bearing Question

[My5ABaby]

I just replaced my front cover and oil pump (going turbo). I'm being a little paranoid that the thrust bearing fell. I kept the clutch pushed in the whole time, but what are the signs that I may have a problem? Or, what can I test to make sure it's ok/not ok?

[EB Turbo]

Check for crankshaft end play. If you have end play you should be good. If you don't its not good. Holding the clutch down won't prevent the thrust bearings from falling. Probably the most important thing is holding the key way down while pulling the front pulley off.

EB Turbo

[My5ABaby]

I'm not really sure how to measure end play. I tried to wiggle it by hand without much luck, but I'm not really sure how much it's supposed to move or if I can even do it that way.

However, I did some measuring and took some pictures.

The first is confirming I measured this right. Here's a link to the thread I was going off, the post from HAILERS. http://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/end-play-944682/. My measurement was around 2mm. If I did it right, I would presume I'm ok.

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12534&stc=1&d=1352154174
http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12535&stc=1&d=1352154204

Here's a pic of the pulleys lined up. They seem to line up fine. Reference: http://aaroncake.net/RX-7/damage.htm

Please ignore the peeling paint... my project went awry. :willy_nilly:

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12536&stc=1&d=1352154225

[Dannobre]

The e shaft should be able to move in and out a noticeable amount....if it won't move at all the bearing and the spacers fell and have pinced when you did it up...if you can move it in and out small amount you are likely OK...as the end play is set with a spacer.

[My5ABaby]

Should it be movable by hand? Ie grabbing the pulley boss and pushing/pulling.

[Dannobre]

Yes...should move in and out :)

[My5ABaby]

Well that's probably not good then.

[RETed]

Personally, I doubt most people could tell on their first try...

If the engine is horizontal (on the floor), this makes it even harder.

I find it easy to do when the engine is vertical, like on the engine stand right after assembly.
You can push up the front pulley boss an hear the click-click as it goes up and down.

If the engine is horizontal, I would take a measurement that is easy to replicate either from the front pulley boss or the rear counterweight / flywheel.
Kick the front pulley boss *OR* rear CW / flywheel - take measurement.
Kick it the other way - take measurement.
As long as you get some kinda measurement and NOT "0", you're good.


-Ted

[My5ABaby]

The engine is still in the car. That rules out the rear option. I can try kicking it (it'll probably help my frustrations...), and figure something out to go the other way.

[Dannobre]

Go to the autoparts place and buy a cheap dial indicator with a magnetic base...about $20....

Set it aginst the pulley rim.......look at number on dial..push it in...whats the number?...pull/pry it out...what's the number?...difference is the endplay:)

[RETed]

The engine is still in the car. That rules out the rear option. I can try kicking it (it'll probably help my frustrations...), and figure something out to go the other way.

With engine still in the car...

It'll help to have a friend who can step on the clutch pedal.
Push pulley boss or pry pulley boss with pry bar or big screwdriver...
Measure.
Go the opposite way.
Measure.
Cross fingers the measurement changes.


-Ted

[My5ABaby]

My shaft has play (;)). I wasn't able to get a measurement, but I felt it move and with my other measurements and stuff I'm happy. Thanks guys!

[GoopyPerformance]

How about removing the short block, stand it vertical and confirming?
At least this way you are 100% sure.

www.facebook.com/goopyperformance

[My5ABaby]

Although I appreciate the suggestion, I have no way to get the short block out. I'm fine with 99% sure. You may see a rebuild thread, but I have some end play, the measurement from the first method is good, and the pulleys line up. 3/3 is good enough.