Plastigage Method

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection (Plastigage Method)





1. Remove the oil pan.
2. Remove the con-rod bearing cap.

* Mark the installation position (1) of the con-rod bearing cap.
* Unscrew the 2 bolts.
* Degrease the con-rod bearing cap and wet the con-rod bearing clip with engine oil.


Important: Do not rotate the crankshaft.



Important: Plastigage is available via the "Opel/Vauxhall Workshop Equipment" catalogue.


3. Lay on Plastigage.
Lay Plastigage (flexible plastic thread) over the entire width of the con-rod bearing journal.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

4. Install the con-rod bearing cap.

Tighten the 2 bolts to 35 N.m+45°+15°.

5. Remove the con-rod bearing cap.
Unscrew the 2 bolts.





Important: When reading the value, do not confuse millimeters and inches on the measuring scale.


6. Measure the con-rod bearing play.

* Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread with the measuring scale.
* Permissible con-rod bearing play: 0.019-0.071 mm.


Important: Check markings on parts.


7. Install the con-rod bearing cap.

* Wet the con-rod bearing journal and con-rod bearing clips with engine oil.
* Renew the bolts.

Tighten the 2 bolts to 35 N.m+45°+15°.


8. Install the oil pan.