Connecting Rod, Measuring Radial Clearance

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Plastigage®

Procedure 

-- Remove the connecting rod bearing cap.

-- Clean the bearing cap and journal.

-- Place the Plastigage® over the entire width of the bearing journal or into the bearing shells.

-- Position the connecting rod bearing cap and tighten the old bolts to the final tightening specification. Refer to -item  1- (See Figure). Do not turn the crankshaft when doing this.

-- Install the connecting rod bearing cap.

-- Compare width of Plastigage with calibrated scale.

Radial clearance: 

• New: 0.010 to 0.052 mm.
• Wear limit: 0.120 mm.

-- Replace connecting rod bolts.