GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2009 🢒 Astra 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 1.6L (LDE or LLU) and 1.8L (2H0) 🢒 Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection Plastigage Method


    Object Number: 1936756 Size: LH
  1. Remove the oil pan. Refer to 1401312 - Oil Pan, Remove and Install.
  2. Remove the con-rod bearing cap.
    3. • Mark the installation position (1) of the con-rod bearing cap.
    • Unscrew the 2 bolts.
    • Degrease the con-rod bearing cap and wet the con-rod bearing clip with engine oil.

    Note: Do not rotate the crankshaft.

    Note: Plastigage is available via the "Opel/Vauxhall Workshop Equipment" catalogue.

  3. Lay on Plastigage.

    4. Lay Plastigage (flexible plastic thread) over the entire width of the con-rod bearing journal.

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  4. Install the con-rod bearing cap. Tighten the 2 bolts to 35 N·m+45°+15°.
  5. Remove the con-rod bearing cap.

    6. Unscrew the 2 bolts.


    Object Number: 1936787 Size: LH

    Note: When reading the value, do not confuse millimeters and inches on the measuring scale.

  6. Measure the con-rod bearing play.
    7. • Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread with the measuring scale.
    • Permissible con-rod bearing play: 0.019-0.071 mm.

    Note: Check markings on parts.

  7. Install the con-rod bearing cap.
    8. • Wet the con-rod bearing journal and con-rod bearing clips with engine oil.
    • Renew the bolts and tighten to 35 N·m+45°+15°.
  8. Install the oil pan. Refer to 1401312 - Oil Pan, Remove and Install.

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection Measuring Device Method


    Object Number: 1948722 Size: MH
  1. Install the inner plunger and calibrate with the micrometer gauge (1).

    2. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  2. Mount the con-rod bearing cover on the con-rod. Tighten the 2 bolts to 35 N·m+45°+15°.
  3. Measure the con-rod bearing diameters at 3 points.

    4. Measure at points I, II and III with the internal measuring device.


    Object Number: 1948723 Size: MH
  4. Work out the average con-rod diameter.

    5. Formula: I + II + III/3.

  5. Measure the con-rod bearing journal diameter at 2 points.

    6. Measure at points I and II with the micrometer gauge.

  6. Work out the average con-rod bearing journal diameter.

    7. Formula: I + II/2.

  7. Determine the con-rod bearing play.

    8. Calculation formula: average con-rod bearing diameter - average con-rod bearing journal diameter.

  8. Perform the target/actual comparison.

    9. Permissible con-rod bearing play: 0.019-0.071 mm.