Reseting end float?

[Bugsy_malone 666]

So i was wondering about reseting the end float on an engine i have. Its a 1.6NA and has a bit of end float, which comes with years of use and i wondered about taking some out to reset it so constant movement isnt so large wearing the bearing surfaces. With aircooled beetle engines you used shim washers so the crank wasnt banging about against the bearing surfaces helping the enging live longer i figured that might be something to do with one of these blocks too?

I dont want to go replacing all the bearing as im sure that means an expensive bill in stretch bolts.

Im not building a super power diesel as its only an na infairly good nick, im just adding a turbo, pump and replacement valves just to pep it up a bit, thought now might be a time to to adjust the end float?

[libbydiesel]

There are thrust bearings on sides of the center main bearing.  They are made up of 4 semi-circles.  You could potentially replace them.  The 1.6 main bearing cap bolts are not single-use.  They can be reused.  If you have excessive end-play, though, the most common cause is that someone used aftermarket main bearings with the insufficient integral thrust and your crank now has a groove in it and requires replacement. 

[Toby]

Well, the first thing you need to know, is how much end play do you have?Then pull the center main cap and see what is up in there. Excessive end clearance is not the end of the world.

[Bugsy_malone 666]

There are thrust bearings on sides of the center main bearing.  They are made up of 4 semi-circles.  You could potentially replace them.  The 1.6 main bearing cap bolts are not single-use.  They can be reused.  If you have excessive end-play, though, the most common cause is that someone used aftermarket main bearings with the insufficient integral thrust and your crank now has a groove in it and requires replacement. 

I doubt this engine has ever been rebuilt to be fair, I think its more likely original worn out as opposed to rebuilt badly. Whats the overall tolerance on endfloat for these lumps before its deemed they need some work?

Are the rod bolt use once? on the 1.6?