Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Main Bearing Journal Clearance

NOTE: Verify that the following stages are followed exactly. The crankshaft must be to specification.

1. General Information
- The bearing shells and journals must be free from engine oil and dirt.
- The measuring point should be near to the center.





2. Place on a length of Plastigage.
- Insert the associated bearing shells, without lubrication, into the cylinder block.
- Insert the crankshaft, without lubrication, into the cylinder block.
- Place a strip of plastigage, equal to the width of the bearing, on the bearing journal.

3. Carry out the measurement.
- Fit the lower crankcase with bearing shells following the tightening specification.
- Fit the lower crankcase with bearing shells following the tightening specification.

NOTE:
- Do not hit the lower crankcase.
- Measure all the bearings at the same time.





4. Read off the measurement.
- Compare the length of Plastigage with the Plastigage scale.
- The value that is read off is the bearing clearance.
- If the measurement is out of the specified range, change the bearing shells and repeat the measurement.