Correcting Crank End Play Question
 

Sbc with a 383 kit and a new crank, end play measures .0015" after seating the thrust bearing with wood block and hammer. The question is what is an acceptable method of increasing the end play? Does the crank need to go back to the grinder or can I surface grind a few thousandths off one side of the thrust bearing?

You can sand the thrust bearing. I have done it by placing 600 grit wet or dry with oil on it laying on a piece of glass. Whatever you lay it on just needs to be really flat. Only use a figure 8 pattern, take you time and measure often.

Curtis

Did you measure both bearing surfaces, they are not always a matched set? I agree with Curtis, a surface plate or a piece of glass if you don't have a surface grinder available too you.

Zip.

Did you seat the thrust bearing with minimum torque on the main bearing caps?

Correcting
 

Before you start working on the bearings, I would get a second opinion from an experienced builder or racer that has done engine work.

It is uncommon to only have .0015". More like .004"- .006" is common.

Just have all your main caps finger tight plus a little and recheck. Then torque the thrust cap to 20- 25# and see if it is still the same. Tap it a couple times with the wooden block and a hammer both ways and recheck.

If still only .0015", get some help.

JMO