Crankshaft & Main Bearings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Ford Aerostar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- When checking main bearing clearance in vehicle, position a jack under adjoining bearing counterweight being checked. Remove only one main bearing cap at a time.
- Use Plastigage to check main bearing clearance. If proper oil clearance cannot be obtained with standard bearings, try a combination of undersize bearings. DO NOT use any bearing combination other than listed. See UNDERSIZE MAIN & ROD BEARING COMBINATIONS table.
- If use of bearing combinations does not bring clearance within specification, machine or replace crankshaft as necessary. Always replace bearings in pairs. Refer to, in this article, CRANKSHAFT MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
- To install thrust bearing, tighten main bearing cap bolts finger tight. Pry crankshaft forward while prying thrust bearing cap rearward. Tighten bearing caps to specification. See, in this article, TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Mount dial indicator, and pry on crankshaft to check crankshaft end play. Replace thrust bearing, and inspect crankshaft thrust faces if end play is not within specification. Refer to CRANKSHAFT MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.