Pre-unit engines, crankshaft \ bush design

[muskrat]

G'day Fellas.
I don't know about the early long stroke bearings (ball) but the later roller bearings are to be a C3 fit meaning a light to moderate press fit on the shaft and case. The bearings are made with a little extra clearance to account for the "crush" in the outer and "expansion" of the inner. Getting away from the subject.

Yes the bearing will be captured by the cush drive nut. If the bearing is tight on the shaft you won't see any end float but have a gap on the timing side.
Yes the test bearing has to be exactly the same width as the replacement and loose on the shaft to measure end float once the cush is done up.
Cheers

[KiwiGF]

G'day Brandis.
To add to that. Even though the crank is captive with the drive side bearing an thus no end float, the gap between the crank and timing side bush should still be kept to 1.5-3 thou". Any larger oil will escape that way instead of going to the big ends.
An old d/s bearing with the id ground out a few thou (so it slides on the crank) can be used to measure the end float and corrected with shims.
Cheers

The bearing inner grinding out might sound tricky, but I managed it using emery cloth, spinning the bearing in the lathe, very little metal needs to be removed. I cant remember if I fitted the new or old bearing outer ring in the case before doing the end float job, probably the new one?

It’s surprising how much of a clunk you get moving the crank sideways, even with the correct end float.

[berger]

with you on that KwiGF that's what i did but roller set up and outer bearing lip were different so i wasted my time. as for clunk i have got 1/1/2 thou end float on the berger build and i can make it clunkety clunk like there's 1/4 of an inch float*conf2*

[Brandis]

Thank you all.  I plan to do a play based on all your advice.  Royal Shakespeare will help with casting and I've booked the Globe for a Sunday morning in November.  Any of you lot that want to be extras will have to show up in late 1600s townsman's dress. 
Opening scene will be our main character, on the battlements of his father's castle. It's a grey dawn. He curses the day that he first touched a BSW wrench.  Three witches appear and tempt him with the promise of a magic bearing the will fit any engine it touches. All what they want in return . . .

You get the idea.  Beer for everyone when we wrap. 

Did I mention that I spent my life in the entertainment biz ?