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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Blazer 4D Utility, 4WD, Part Time >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 428 (Engine Mechanical - 8.1L V8) >> Overhaul >> Crankshaft Bearing Cleaning & Inspection >> Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance Using Plastigage®

Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance Using Plastigage®

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  1. Install connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
  2. Using rubber fuel line over the connecting rod bolts, install piston and connecting rod assembly onto crank pin journal.
  3. Install gaging plastic the full width of the crank pin journal.
  4. Install connecting rod cap and original, used, nuts. Tighten connecting rod nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Tighten connecting rod nuts an additional 90 degrees.
  5. Remove connecting rod nuts and cap. The gaging plastic may adhere to either the crank pin journal or connecting rod bearing surface.
  6. On the edge of the gaging plastic envelope there is a graduated scale. Without removing the gaging plastic, measure the compressed width at the widest point. If the flattened gaging plastic tapers toward the middle or the ends, there may be a difference in clearance indicating taper, low spot or other irregularity of the crankshaft bearing or the crank pin journal.
  7. Normally the crank pin journals wear evenly and are not out-of-round. However, if a connecting rod bearing is being fitted to an out-of-round crank pin journal, see CRANKSHAFT  table. Be sure to fit to the maximum diameter of the crank pin journal. If the connecting rod bearing is fitted to the minimum diameter and the crank pin journal is excessively out-of-round, the interference between the connecting rod bearing and the crank pin journal will result in rapid connecting rod bearing failure
  8. Compare connecting rod bearing clearance to specifications. See CRANKSHAFT  table.
  9. If connecting rod bearing clearances exceed specifications, replace components as required.
  10. Remove flattened gaging plastic.
  11. Measure remaining crank pin journals.
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