Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal-to-Bearing Clearance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Crankshaft main bearing journals must be within specifications before checking journal clearance.

Remove the crankshaft main bearing caps and crankshaft main bearing.
Lay a piece of Plastigage across the face of each crankshaft main bearing surface.

Fig 1: Locating Plastigage Across Crankshaft Main Bearing Surface
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not turn the crankshaft while carrying out this procedure.

Install and remove the crankshaft main bearing cap.
Verify the crankshaft journal clearance.
- Refer to the appropriate ENGINE article for the procedure.
- If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate ENGINE article for the procedure.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Plastigage Across Crankshaft Journal Surface
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.