Plastigage Kit ALL96475

OVERVIEW

Precision is the cornerstone of a reliable air-cooled engine build. Whether you are assembling a stock 1600cc Beetle motor or a high-performance 2275cc stroker for your sand rail, the bearing clearances on your crankshaft and connecting rods dictate the longevity and oil pressure of your entire machine. The ALLSTAR PERFORMANCE Plastigage Kit ALL96475 is an indispensable diagnostic tool that allows engine builders to verify these critical tolerances with absolute confidence. In the world of Volkswagen restoration and performance, where engine cases are often line-bored and crankshafts are turned to undersize specifications, you cannot simply trust the labels on the box. This kit provides a physical, visual confirmation that your oil clearances are within the factory or performance specifications required to maintain a healthy oil film between moving parts.

This comprehensive kit includes both Green and Red Plastigage strings, offering a wide measurement range that covers almost every conceivable bearing scenario in a VW Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 engine. The process is straightforward yet vital: a small strip of the calibrated material is placed on the bearing journal, the cap is torqued to the specific foot-pound requirement, and then removed. The resulting width of the flattened material is compared against the scale on the packaging to reveal the exact clearance. This kit is particularly useful for detecting "out-of-round" conditions or taper in journals that a standard micrometer might miss if not used by a master machinist. Investing in this kit is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy to ensure your rotating assembly doesn''t suffer a catastrophic failure during its initial break-in period or under high-load racing conditions.

FITMENT

This universal engine building tool is compatible with all air-cooled and water-cooled Volkswagen engines, as well as custom dune buggy and woods buggy powerplants. Detailed fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc based engines).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Single Cab, Double Cab (1950-1979).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, Notchback.
• Volkswagen Type 181: The Thing.
• Volkswagen Type 4: 1700cc, 1800cc, 2000cc engines (411, 412, and late Bus).
• Performance Builds: Compatible with all aftermarket stroker cranks (DPR, Scat, CB Performance).
• Other Applications: Suitable for Porsche 356 and 912 engines.

SPECS

• Brand: Allstar Performance
• Part Number: ALL96475
• Green Plastigage Quantity: Two (2) 12-inch strings.
• Green Measurement Range: .001 Inch to .003 Inch (0.025mm to 0.075mm).
• Red Plastigage Quantity: One (1) 12-inch string.
• Red Measurement Range: .002 Inch to .006 Inch (0.050mm to 0.150mm).
• Packaging: Individually packaged inside calibrated sleeves for easy reading.
• Material: Specialized calibrated plastic wax compound.
• Instructions: Detailed usage guide included in the kit.

PRO TIPS

1. Cleanliness is Mandatory for Accuracy

When you are ready to check your clearances, the bearing surface and the crankshaft journal must be completely free of oil, grease, or assembly lube. Any lubricant present on the surfaces will occupy space and prevent the Plastigage from flattening correctly, which will result in a false "tight" reading. Use a lint-free cloth and a quick-evaporating cleaner like brake cleaner to prep the area. Once you have finished your measurement and recorded the data, don''t forget to thoroughly clean the flattened wax off the journal before applying your final assembly lubricant.

2. Absolute Zero Rotation

The most common mistake when using Plastigage is allowing the crankshaft or the connecting rod to rotate even a fraction of a millimeter while the cap is being torqued or removed. If the parts move, the Plastigage will smear across the journal rather than flattening in place, making the measurement useless. When checking main bearings in a VW case, it is often helpful to have a second set of hands to hold the crank steady while you torque the case halves or main nuts. If the material looks "smudged" rather than a clean, wide strip, wipe it off and start the process over for a reliable reading.

3. Temperature and Storage Matters

Plastigage is a wax-based material that is sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you are building your engine in a very cold garage, the material can become brittle and snap while you are trying to apply it. Conversely, in extreme heat, it can become too soft. For the most accurate results, ensure the engine components and the kit are at room temperature (approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, always store your leftover Plastigage in a cool, dry place inside its original sleeve to prevent it from drying out or becoming contaminated with shop dust, which could scratch your bearing surfaces.