I saw this Powernation video on youtube of a build up of a 4.3L V6 and at 10:30, they start talking about setting the thrust. I've read some books that say to hit the crank with a mallet but never have I seen anyone say to preload it when you torque the main bolts.


Anyone ever do it like this?

 

Yes that’s how I did mine. You preload the crank forward while you torque the mains. The crank will move around a very small amount. Mine came in at .00335. And .0045 if I used a small pry bar to push it all the way forward.

 

I’ve never done that, but if Pat says to do it that way, it’s the right way.