Crank Thrust Bearings - which way round

[northernboy]

Had a quick search on which way round to install the crank thrust bearings - am sure the copper side with groves faces the crank, with back side up against the block - this seems to make sense as the oil groves help lubricate the rotating crank can someone confirm this please?

[philthehill]

You are correct in that the copper side with grooves goes against the crankshaft.
The crankshaft should have 0.004" fore and aft play.

[northernboy]

Thanks Phil

The Official Workshop Manual AKD 530 seems to make no mention of this and the Haynes manual wording is very vague so good to know it is correct.

end float is within tolerance at 0.003 on standard thrust washers and crank rotates just nice with new main bearings and caps torqued down

I used assembly oil for first time and feels to have a lovely sticky consistency as engine may be stored for a while.

When I stripped the engine, I found no locking tabs on the mains or big ends - glad I stripped it to check it out !!