Tools Required

J 7872 Magnetic Base Dial Indicator

Caution: Wear safety glasses to avoid injury when using compressed air or any cleaning solvent. Bodily injury may occur if fumes are inhaled or if skin is exposed to chemicals.

1. Clean the crankshaft with clean solvent using the following procedure:

•	Do not scratch the bearing journals.

•	Blow all of the sludge from the oil passages with compressed air.

•	Remove the clutch pilot bearing located in the end of the crankshaft (manual transmission only).

2. Wipe the crankshaft bearing inserts free of oil with a soft cloth.
3. Inspect the crankshaft for cracks using the Magnaflux Spot-check dye method or the equivalent.
4. Inspect the crankshaft bearing journals and thrust surfaces for the following conditions:

•

Scoring

•

Nicks

•	Damage caused by lack of lubrication

5. Inspect the crankshaft bearing inserts and thrust surfaces for the following conditions:

•

Scoring

•

Nicks

•	Damage caused by lack of lubrication

•	The lower bearing inserts (except the front bearing) will show greater wear and the most distress from fatigue. If the lower insert is worn or damaged, replace both the upper and the lower inserts as a set.




6. Measure the crankshaft journal diameter with a micrometer in several places, approximately 90 degrees apart. Average the measurements. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .



7. The connecting rod and the crankshaft bearing journal sizes are color coded with paint markings. Main bearing journal markings (A) are blue, orange/red, or white. Rod bearing journal markings (B) are yellow or green.



8. Compute taper. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications . Replace the crankshaft if the measurement exceeds specifications.
9. Measure the crankshaft runout using the following procedure:

9.1.	Mount the crankshaft in V-blocks at crankshaft journals one and five.

9.2.	Use the J 7872 to measure crankshaft runout. Replace the crankshaft bearings and the crankshaft if the runout exceeds 0.01 mm (0.0004 in).

Notice: The crankshaft bearing and the connecting rod journals are machined with deep, rolled fillets for strength. Grinding the crankshaft may disturb the fillets and weaken the crankshaft. Replace the crankshaft if it is damaged.

Notice: Perform TDC Offset Recovery procedure if the timing chain, timing gears, engine front cover, crankshaft position sensor, crankshaft or other components affecting the timing are replaced.

Notice: Do not shim, scrape, or file bearing inserts. Do not touch the bearing surface of the insert with bare fingers. Skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.




1. Measure clearances using either the micrometer method or the plastic gauging method.
2. In order to measure clearances with the micrometer method, use the following procedure:
3. Install the crankshaft bearings into the crankshaft caps and engine block.
4. Install the crankshaft caps and bolts. Tighten all of the bolts. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
5. Measure the bearing inside diameter with any inside micrometer. Place the micrometer at 90° to the split line of the crankshaft bearing.
6. Subtract the journal diameter from the bearing inside diameter in order to obtain the bearing clearance.
7. Clearances for crankshaft bearing numbers one, two, three, and four are 0.045-0.083 mm (0.0018-0.0033 in).
8. Clearances for crankshaft bearing number five are 0.055-0.093 mm (0.0022-0.0037 in).
9. If bearing clearances exceeds specifications, install new crankshaft bearings.



10. In order to measure clearances with the plastic gauging method, use the following procedure:
11. Install all lower crankshaft bearings and the crankshaft into the block.
12. Place the gauging plastic across each crankshaft journal.
13. Install all upper crankshaft bearings and bearing caps into the block. Torque all bolts. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications . The gauging plastic may adhere to either the crankshaft bearing or the crankshaft journal.
14. Carefully remove all bearing caps and the upper crankshaft bearings.



15. Without removing the gauging plastic, measure the gauging plastic compressed width at the widest point. Use the graduated scale on the edge of the gauging plastic envelope .
16. Clearances for crankshaft bearing numbers one, two, three, and four are 0.045-0.083 mm (0.0018-0.0033 in).
17. Clearances for crankshaft bearing number five are 0.055-0.093 mm (0.0022-0.0037 in).
18. If the flattened gauging plastic tapers toward the middle or ends, there is a difference in clearance indicating taper, out-of-round, low spot, or other irregularity of the bearing or journal. Replace the crankshaft if the journal taper or out-of-round exceeds 0.025 mm (0.001 in).
19. If the bearing clearance is not within specifications, replace the bearing. Always replace both upper and lower bearing inserts as a set.
20. If a bearing is being fitted to an out-of-round journal, be sure to fit to the maximum diameter of the journal. If the bearing is fitted to the minimum diameter, interference between the bearing and the journal will result in rapid bearing failure.
21. A standard or undersize bearing combination may result in the proper clearance. If the proper bearing clearance cannot be achieved using standard or undersize bearings, replace the crankshaft.
22. Remove the flattened gauging plastic.