Plastic Gauging Method
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 GMC Savana 3500, 2019 GMC Savana 2500, 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500, and 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Clean and install the bearing inserts.
- Install the piston and connecting rod assembly to the engine. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation
- Place a piece of plastic gauging material across the entire bearing width.
- Install the connecting rod caps and tighten the bearing cap bolts to specification.
- Remove the bearing cap, leaving the gauging plastic in place. It does not matter whether the gauging plastic adheres to the journal or the bearing.
- Measure the gauging plastic at its widest point with the scale (1) printed on the gauging plastic package.
- Remove the gauging plastic.
- Select the correct connecting rod bearings. Connecting Rod Bearings Selection Specifications
NOTE:
Do not rotate the crankshaft.