Connecting Rod Bearings
- Mark or identify rod cap to rod before removing rod cap nuts. With rod nuts removed, remove rod cap and bearing. Push up on piston and rod assembly and remove bearing from rod. Inspect bearings for wear or damage and replace as necessary.
- Check crankshaft rod bearing journal for out-of-round or taper conditions. If crankshaft is out-of-round or tapers more than 0.001", crankshaft must be removed and ground for undersize bearings.
- Check rod bearing clearance using the Plastigage method. If clearance exceeds specifications, a 0.001" or 0.002" undersize bearing may be installed to obtain correct clearance. If clearance is still excessive, crankshaft must be removed and ground for undersize bearings. Connecting rod bearings are available 0.010" and 0.020" undersize.
- To install bearings, clean crankshaft journal and bearing surface in rod. Insert bearing halves in rod and cap. Lubricate journal and pull piston and rod assembly down, aligning bearing on journal. Install rod cap noting identification marks and evenly tighten rod nuts.