FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Clearance Measurements






OIL CLEARANCE





Mechanical Measurement
Measure the journal outside diameter and the main bearing inside diameter. If the clearance exceeds the specifications limit. Replace the main bearing(s) and if necessary replace the crankshaft.








Plastigage Measurement
1. Remove oil from journal and bearing shell.
2. Install crankshaft.
3. Cut plastigage to same length as width of the bearing and place it in parallel with the journal axis.

CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the plastigage will be smeared.

4. Install the main bearing cap carefully and tighten the bolts to specified torque.
5. Carefully remove the bearing cap and measure the width of the plastigage at the widest part using the scale on the plastigage package.