Crankshaft Endplay

[pbxcomm]

Crankshaft Endplay: remember?
Seems to be a thing of the past.. Or is it?
Working on a complete OEM spec 2000 90HP Merc (my very own). I noticed there is nothing about crankshaft end play in the Factory Service Manual.
To take this a step further, I set the crank in connecting all rods/pistons, ready for the crankcase cover. BTW, I replaced ALL Crank Bearings including upper and lower. When I mic'ed the difference between #1 crank counter balance and # 3 there was .045 difference from both counterbalance's to block. So, I pulled the crank, pulled the lower bearing and pressed it back on to just a firmly touch on the Oil drive gear, so its firmly held in place. Installed everything back in and mic'ed again. Now I have a difference of .015. I like this difference so I think I'm going to leave it here, unless otherwise?

Anyone have experience on these blocks and crank endplay? Maybe not as critical on these blocks? Thing of the past?

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

Endplay was important on the old inlines,as they used ball bearings on both ends...there had to be some endplay to allow the crank to grow a few thousandths without creating a binding side load on the bearings.These days the crank height is set by the lower main,and the top is free to move up and down in a needle bearing top main,no side load with needles.All aboard,Chris

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Thanks much for your reply..