GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2001 🢒 L300/LW300 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) 🢒 Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter

  1. Use solvent to clean the crankshaft.
  2. Use compressed air to dry the crankshaft.

    3. Object Number: 217428 Size: SH
  3. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft rod journals in 2 locations (1, 2) on the front edge for the following conditions:
    4. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for wear.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  4. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft rod journals in the middle for the following conditions:
    5. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for wear.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  5. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft rod journals in 2 locations (1,2) on the rear edge for the following conditions:
    6. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for wear.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  6. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft main journals in 2 locations (1,2) on the front edge for the following conditions:
    7. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for undersize.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  7. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft main journals in the middle for the following conditions:
    8. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for undersize.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  8. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft main journals in 2 locations (1,2) on the rear edge for the following conditions:
    9. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for undersize.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .

    Object Number: 217429 Size: SH
  9. Use a dial indicator to measure the crankshaft run-out at the front intermediate journals and use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft run-out at the rear intermediate journals. Perform the measurement with the crankshaft in the engine block or perform the measurement by supporting the crankshaft front and rear journals on V-blocks.
  10. Replace or recondition the crankshaft if the measurements are not within specifications.
  11. Inspect the crankshaft bearing fit.
  12. Inspect the upper half of the crankshaft bearing.
  13. Replace the upper bearing half and the lower half if the upper bearing half is worn and/or damaged.
  14. Inspect the lower half of the crankshaft bearing.
  15. Replace the upper bearing half and the lower half if the lower bearing half is worn and/or damaged.

    16. Object Number: 217431 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: 

       • Measure the clearance of each crankshaft bearing to determine proper sizes.
       • Factory installed crankshaft bearings may not be the same size for each journal and/or the block bearings may be of a different size than the cap bearings. Check the appropriate color coding of the bearings.
       • Return the bearings to their EXACT location if the bearings are to be reused.
       • The number 3 and the number 4 cap bearings do not have oil journals.
       • DO NOT rotate the crankshaft while gauging plastic is between the journal and the crankshaft bearing.

  16. Perform the following steps to measure the crankshaft bearing:
    17. 16.1. Measure all 5 bearing clearances at the same time.
    16.2. Place a piece of gauging plastic, the full width of crankshaft bearing, onto the journals.
    16.3. Install the crankshaft bearing caps exactly as removed.
    16.4. Install the crankshaft bearing bridge exactly as removed.

    Tighten

        • Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A to rotate the crankshaft bearing cap bolts 60 degrees and an additional 15 degrees.
        • Tighten the crankshaft bearing bridge bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).
    16.5. Remove the crankshaft bearing bridge.
    16.6. Remove the crankshaft bearing caps.
    16.7. Use the scale provided with the gauging plastic to measure the gauging plastic at its widest point.
    16.8. Replace with a standard bearing if the gauging plastic shows an irregularity in the crankshaft main bearing clearance exceeding 0.025 mm (0.0010 in) or if an excessive clearance is evident and the crankshaft main journal is within specification.
    16.9. Always replace both the upper and the lower crankshaft bearings as a set.
    16.10. Regrind the crankshaft for use with an undersize bearing if the clearance cannot be brought to specifications.
    16.11. Crankshaft bearings are available for service in the standard size, 0.25 mm (0.010 in) undersize and 0.50 mm (0.020 in) undersize.

    Object Number: 217432 Size: SH
  17. Perform the following steps to measure the crankshaft end play:
    18. • Install the crankshaft bearing caps.
    • Install the crankshaft torsional bearing bridge.
    • Mount a dial indicator onto the back of the engine block.
    • Move the crankshaft foreword and move the crankshaft rearward.
    • Note the total movement.
    • The crankshaft end play clearance specification is 0.010 - 0.76 mm (0.0004 - 0.0300 in).
    • Replace the thrust bearing if the clearance is not within specification.

    Object Number: 894214 Size: SH
  1. Use solvent to clean the crankshaft.
  2. Use compressed air to dry the crankshaft.
  3. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft rod journals in 2 locations on the front edge for the following conditions:
    4. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for wear.
    • The rod journal diameter (STD).

    Specifications
    The rod journal diameter is 48.971-48.987 mm (1.927-1.928 in).

  4. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft rod journals in the middle for the following conditions:
    5. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for wear.
    • Rod journal diameter (STD).

    Specifications
    The rod journal diameter is 48.971-48.987 mm (1.927-1.928 in).

  5. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft rod journals in 2 locations on the rear edge for the following conditions:
    6. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for wear.
    • Rod journal diameter (STD).

    Specifications
    The rod journal diameter is 48.971-48.987 mm (1.927-1.928 in).

  6. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft main journals in 2 locations on the front edge for the following conditions:
    7. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for undersize.
    • Main journal maximum out-of-round.

    Specifications
    The main journal maximum out-of-round is 0.03 mm (0.0012 in).

    • Refer to Engine General Information.
  7. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft main journals in the middle for the following conditions:
    8. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for undersize.
    • Main journal maximum out-of-round.

    Specifications
    The main journal maximum out-of-round is 0.03 mm (0.0012 in).

    • Refer to Engine General Information.
  8. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft main journals in 2 locations on the rear edge for the following conditions:
    9. • Measure for out-of-round.
    • Measure for taper.
    • Measure for undersize.
    • Main journal maximum out-of-round.

    Specifications
    The main journal maximum out-of-round is 0.03 mm (0.0012 in).

    • Refer to Engine General Information.

    Object Number: 871201 Size: SH
  9. Use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft run-out at the front intermediate journals and use a micrometer to measure the crankshaft run-out at the rear intermediate journals. Perform the measurement with the crankshaft in the engine block or perform the measurement by supporting the crankshaft front and rear journals on V-blocks.
  10. Replace or recondition the crankshaft if the measurements are not within specifications.
  11. Inspect the crankshaft fit.
  12. Inspect the upper half of the crankshaft bearing.
  13. Replace the upper half and the lower half if the upper half is worn and/or damaged.
  14. Inspect the lower half of the crankshaft bearing.
  15. Replace the upper half and the lower half if the lower half is worn and/or damaged.

    16. Object Number: 871102 Size: SH

    Important: Measure the clearance of each crankshaft bearing to determine the proper sizes. Factory installed crankshaft bearings may not be the same size for each journal and/or the block bearing may be of a different size than the cap bearings. Also, check the appropriate color coding of the bearings. Return the bearings to their EXACT location if the bearings are to be reused. The cap bearings for the numbers 2 and 3 do not have oil journals.

    Important: DO NOT rotate the crankshaft while gaging plastic is between the journal and the crankshaft bearing.

  16. Perform the following steps to measure the crankshaft bearing:
    17. • Place a piece of gaging plastic full width of the crankshaft bearing onto the journal.
    • Measure all 5 bearing clearances at the same time.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 896059 Size: SH
  17. Install the crankshaft bearing caps exactly as removed.

    18. Tighten
    Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) plus 60 degrees plus 15 degrees.

  18. Install the crankshaft torsional bearing bridge exactly as removed with the arrow pointing toward the front of the engine.

    19. Tighten
    Tighten the crankshaft bearing bridge bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 896045 Size: SH
  19. Remove the crankshaft torsional bearing bridge.

    20. Object Number: 896005 Size: SH
  20. Remove the crankshaft torsional bearing caps.

    21. Object Number: 872622 Size: SH
  21. Use the scale provided with gaging plastic to measure the gaging plastic at its widest point.
  22. Replace with a standard bearing if gaging plastic shows an irregularity in the crankshaft's main bearing clearance exceeding the bearing clearance specification or if an excessive clearance is evident and the crankshaft's main journal is within specification.
  23. Always replace both the upper and the lower crankshaft bearings as a set.
  24. Regrind the crankshaft for use with an undersize bearing if the clearance can not be brought to specifications.
  25. Crankshaft bearings are available for service in the standard size and 2 under sizes.

    26. Object Number: 894279 Size: SH
  26. Perform the following steps to measure the crankshaft's end play:
    27. 26.1. Install the crankshaft bearing caps.
    26.2. Install the crankshaft torsional bearing bridge.
    26.3. Mount a dial indicator onto the back of the engine block.
    26.4. Move the crankshaft forward and move the crankshaft rearward.
    26.5. Note the total movement.
    26.6. The crankshafts end play clearance specification is 0.01-0.76 mm (0.0004-0.0300 in).
    26.7. Replace the thrust bearing if the clearance is not within specification.