Plastigage Method

3.0L (2V) Engine
1. Clean crankshaft journals. Inspect journals and thrust faces (crankshaft thrust main bearing 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.

2. CAUTION: Do not position jack under crankshaft pulley. Crankshaft post damage will result.

If fitting a main bearing in the vehicle, position a jack under counterweight adjoining bearing which is being checked. Support crankshaft with jack so its weight will not compress Plastigage 303-D031 (D81L-6002-13) or equivalent and provide an erroneous reading.

3. NOTE: Do not turn crankshaft while Plastigage is in place.

Place a piece of Plastigage 303-D031 (D81L-6002-13) or equivalent on bearing surface across full width of bearing cup and about 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) off center.

4. Install main bearing cap and tighten connecting rod cap retaining bolts.

5. Remove cap. Using Plastigage scale, check width of Plastigage at widest point to get minimum clearance. Check at narrowest point to get maximum clearance. Difference between readings is taper of journals.








6. 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. If using of these bearing combinations does not bring clearance to the desired limits, refinish the crank journal to 0. 254 mm (0.0 10 inch) undersize and use the appropriate undersize bearing.

7. After bearing has been fitted, apply light coat of Motorcraft Super Premium:SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil XO-5W30-QSP or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-G to journal and bearings. Install bearing cap. Tighten cap bolts to specification.

8. Repeat procedure for remaining bearings that require replacement.