Plastigauge and bearings
 

If Im replacing piston rings, I should hone the cylinders. If I hone the cylinders I might as well replace the bearings. Why not?
The problem is I just dont understand how this works!

This is what I can figure out:
Follow the numbers on the engine to figure out what bearing colors I already have and try the same colored strip of plastigauge following http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/b...s/bearings.php (does it come in different colors?)

I just use the old bearings for testing? If they fail I replace with the same colored ones? What if that fails?
I thought those bolts should only be torqued once?

Wouldnt this be easier with micrometers and gauges? Too bad they cost so much...

(The same applies for aftermarket rods and stock?)

i thought you just measured how thick the plastigauge gets smashed and use that to determine if you need a thinner or thicker bearing. or if it smashes to a thickness thats w/ in spec then you use that bearing. i don't think the plastigauge comes in different colors.

i think earl on h-t uses ACL bearings that are all one size and for the most part everything ends up in spec, and if they don't just get the correct oem bearing.

One size fits all eh? Hmm..definately sounds like the easy way out. I did a little research and they sound promising.

Still, I should check the clearance on the parts I already have to make sure theyre all in spec and I can use standard sizes.
Understanding how this works makes a whole lot more sense when Im not tired

Ok fellas, this is what I did:

First off, ACL bearings are all mid size (rated "green", I believe is the mid size Honda).

What you do is place a piece of plasti-gauge on the crank where the bearing should be.

Then place whatever bearing you want to use on top of it.

Place the bearing cap then torque it to factory Honda specs.

Remove the cap and bearing. The plasti-gauge will be smashed to a certain width. Measure that.

Then use that measurement to compare against the Honda specs.

If the plasti-gague spec is not within limits, then you will have to use a different bearing and repeat the process.

When I did my ACL, it all came out within specs. For the most part, ACL bearings will be within specs unless the crank is totally jacked-up.... which is very possible.

Note:
Make sure you follow the Honda procedure on measuring these shits. Most importantly putting all the caps and toquing it to specs before individually taking plasti-gauge readings.

Hit me up if you get into some problems bro.....

You're both right. Plastigauge comes in different colors for different engine requirements. You could probably get away with using a different color for your motor, but the result will essentiall be the same. Once everything is bolted into spec you *should* come out with the same (or at least very similar) reading. For a Honda, I'd go with the green Plastigauge like Arnel mentioned. Just look at Honda's bearing clearance specs and find the Plastigauge that best fits that requirment. After that, it should be a piece of cake.

Yeah, green is suggested.
I think Ive got it down, now I just need to get my block :D