conrods turning

[fartbear]

I dont know if i posted this
I have a 1969 corolla twin cam 4af carburetor engined car.
When it ran a number one conrod bearing we had to change it of course.
Now when i turned the nut to loosen the conrod i noticed the shell moved slightly to the left and right of the centre line of the crank.So before i loosened it i checked the other three rods caps and they also did this.
Is this normal as the movement was slight.
I removed all the rod caps and the bearings of no's 2,3,4 were all fine which showed no wear.
Why is there this movement?
The car has done 320000km by the way.

[MorGo]

Well,there is a bearing clearance and since the bearing is somewhat narrow the even slight clearance allow the rod twist when the rod bolt torque is applied(tightening or opening).So no worry.Of course you should check the bearing clearances (plastigage is just fine if done properly) but since the bearings look good they are good! Rarely Toyota engines have bearing problems unless after track/rally driving when the stock oilsump cannot have oil where it should have been.

[fartbear]

Thanks MorGo for the reply but i think the clearnce is maybe to much as it is .05mm and i think it should be .03mm not so?

[allencr]

Rod side clearance?
Some shove in a shim when torquing/stretching to stop the twist & only load the rod's cheeks and crank, not the bearing and journal.