Component Tests and General Diagnostics

1. Clean crankshaft journals. Inspect journals for nicks, burrs or bearing pickup that would cause premature bearing wear. When replacing standard bearings with new bearings fit the bearing to minimum specified clearance. If the desired clearance cannot be obtained with a standard bearing, try one-half of a 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) or 0.050 mm (0.002 inch) undersize in combination with a standard bearing to obtain the proper clearance.

NOTE: Do not turn crankshaft while Plastigage(R) is in place.

2. Place a piece of Plastigage(R) D81L-6002-B or equivalent on bearing surface across full width of bearing cup and about 6 mm (1/4 inch) off center.
3. Install cap and tighten connecting rod cap retaining bolts.
4. Remove cap. Using Plastigage(R) scale, check width of Plastigage(R) at widest point to get minimum clearance. Check at narrowest point to get maximum clearance. Difference between readings is taper of journals.
5. If bearing clearance exceeds the specified limits, use one of the combinations of undersize bearings as directed by the following table. Do not use any other bearing combination. Bearing clearance must be within specified limits. Refer to appropriate Specifications for bearing clearance limits. If using of these bearing combinations does not bring clearance to the desired limits, refinish the crank journal to 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) undersize and use the appropriate undersize bearing.
6. After bearing has been fitted, apply light coat of clean engine oil XO-10W30-QSP or -DSP or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-F to journal and bearings. Install bearing cap. Tighten cap bolts to specification.
7. Repeat procedure for remaining bearings that require replacement.