@Zaid ... Let me apologize. I've been in training this week, so have had very little time. Let me see if I can answer your questions.

Using a dial bore gauge and micrometer are by far more accurate than using Platigauge. I mean, look at when he checked the journals. There is a +/- of 0.005" (I believe ... or was it 0.0005" ... I don't remember off the top of my head) between each reading. While this is not huge in the great scheme of things, every time you use it, you run the risk of the crank moving, which would cause you to need to do it again (using Plastigauge).

To measure with a dial bore gauge, you install the bearings in their home and then measure. Then you measure the journal diameters with a micrometer. Then subtract the difference to get the clearance. As long as your math is up to snuff, this will get you as accurate of a difference as you are going to get. Also, while it doesn't happen very often, there is the off chance that the Plastigauge isn't the correct diameter and you'll get a wrong reading.

While this doesn't happen very often, it can happen. As long as your prep is good with the dial bore gauge and micrometer, you'll not have this issue.

Quote of the year with the thought of Just replace it: I asked my dad this question years ago when I was broke, he said, "smash it open with a hammer and look inside." I just stared at him. – Ducati Killer

@Paulster2 that quote loses a lot of its punch without the fuel filter context. It still tickles me.

lol, I went to vin decoder .net and decoded my 1999 truck's vin. It said it was manufactured in 2002...

must be borky

most of the other decoders say it's invalid.

@BobCross ... Yes, I agree ... on the flip side, I hope Ducati K. hangs around more often :D