Connecting Rod Bearing: Testing and Inspection

1. Remove the connecting rod cap and bearing half.
2. Clean the crankshaft rod journal and bearing half with a clean shop towel.

Checking Rod Clearance With Plastigage:

3. Place the plastigage across the rod journal.
4. Reinstall the bearing half and cap, and torque the nuts to 47 Nm (4.7 kg-m, 34 lb ft).

NOTE: Do not rotate the crank during inspection.

5. Remove the rod cap and bearing half and measure the widest part of the plastigage.


Connecting Rod Bearing to Journal Oil Clearance:
Standard (New): 0.021 - 0.049 mm (0.0008 - 0.0019 in)
Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in)

6. If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the upper half of the bearing from the block, install a new, complete bearing with the same color code, and recheck the clearance.

CAUTION: Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the caps to adjust clearance.

7. If the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect, try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color listed above or below that one, and check clearance again.

NOTE: If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crank and start over.