Jim---It's possible to mount a magnetic based dial indicator on the
timing cover, if you have enough 'arms' to make the turns. However,
before going to this, just lever the crank pulley back and forth you
will be able to tell whether there is enough end play to warrant a
thrust washer replacement set. (Stick your finger in the gap) In this
case, you'll have to remove the oil pan anyhow, and can then mount your
indicator in a more convenient spot. Some owners use feeler gauges to
make this check.
If you cannot detect any movement of the crank before taking off the
pan, there probably isn't enough end play to be concerned with. I have
found that end play of under .005 but not less than .003 gives many tens
of thousands of miles of service.
If you are bent on checking the end play with a dial indicator at the
front pulley, and can't readily get in there, it will be helpful to take
out the radiator and remove the fan. You will then be able to mount a
magnetic based indicator on the bottom of the tubular cross member. Same
drill. Lever the crank pulley one direction, zero the indicator, lever
the crank pulley the opposite direction.
Dick
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