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Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearances-J 43690 Method

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra and 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove the oil pan and other necessary components to gain access to the connecting rods. Remove the oil pump, screen, and deflector, when applicable.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft until the crankshaft journal/connecting rod to be measured is in the 10 o'clock position.
    IMPORTANT: The crankshaft must be secure with no movement or rotation in order to obtain an accurate reading. Remove an intermediate bearing cap, as required, in order to secure the crankshaft and allow measurement of connecting rod bearing clearances.
  3. Remove the bearing cap bolts, cap and bearing half.
    Fig 1: Removing Bearing Cap Bolts, Cap & Bearing Half
    G02106230Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
  4. Insert a piece of paper card stock onto the crankshaft journal. Install the bearing half, bearing cap, and bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
  5. Install the foot (1) and bolt (2) to the pivot arm assembly (3). Tighten the bolt until snug.
    Fig 2: Install Foot & Bolt To Pivot Arm Assembly
    G02106231Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the screw (1 or 3) to the pivot arm assembly (2).
    Fig 3: Install Screw To Pivot Arm Assembly
    G02106232Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Install the pivot arm assembly (1) onto the connecting rod.
    Fig 4: Install Pivot Arm Assembly
    G02106233Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Position the foot of the pivot arm assembly over the large end of the connecting rod bolt.
  9. Position the screw (1) onto the small end of the connecting rod bolt and tighten securely.
    Fig 5: Positioning Screw Onto Small End Of Connecting Rod Bolt
    G02106234Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the base (1) and bolt (2) to the oil pan rail.
    Fig 6: Installing Base & Bolt To Oil Pan Rail
    G02106235Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Align the center of the base (1) with the screw (3) of the pivot arm assembly. Tighten the bolt (2) until snug.
    Fig 7: Center Of Base, Screw & Bolt
    G02106236Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Align the link (1) of the pivot arm assembly on a plane (3) equal to that of the connecting rod beam (2).
    Fig 8: Link Of Pivot Arm Assembly, Plane & Connecting Rod Beam
    G02106237Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. With the link of the pivot arm assembly aligned to the beam of the connecting rod, position the pivot arm to the base and insert the pin (1).
    Fig 9: Inserting Pin
    G02106238Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Insert the handle (1) to the pivot arm assembly.
    Fig 10: Pivot Arm Assembly Handle
    G02106239Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Select the adapter (2), as required, and install to the swivel base (1). Tighten until snug.
    Fig 11: Adapter & Swivel Base
    G02106240Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: The clamp of the swivel base and the shaft of the indicator should be free of oil or other debris. A loose or improperly clamped indicator may indicate incorrect readings.
  16. Install the indicator (2) to the swivel base (1). Tighten the clamp of the base until snug.
    Fig 12: Installing Indicator To Swivel Base
    G02106241Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Install the swivel base (1) to the oil pan rail of the engine block. Tighten until snug.
    Fig 13: Install Swivel Base
    G02106242Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  18. Adjust the swivel base as required and position the indicator tip slightly above the connecting rod cap. Lock the swivel base in position by rotating the locking lever (1). Do not allow the tip of the indicator to contact the connecting rod at this time.
    Fig 14: Locking Lever
    G02106243Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. The tip of the indicator should be positioned above and NOT in contact with the cap end of the connecting rod.
    Fig 15: Identifying Tip Of Indicator
    G02106244Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  20. Rotate the fine adjustment knobs on the dial indicator end of the swivel base to position the tip of the indicator in contact with the connecting rod.
    Fig 16: Rotating Fine Adjustment Knobs On Dial Indicator
    G02106245Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Lightly actuate the handle of the pivot arm assembly, multiple times in both directions, to ensure the oil film is removed from the journal.
    Fig 17: Handle Of Pivot Arm Assembly
    G02106246Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  22. Load the handle in the forward position and zero the dial indicator. Load the handle multiple times in both directions and record the reading.
    IMPORTANT: During this procedure, card stock may enter the crankshaft journal oil galleries. Be sure to remove all card stock from the bearing journal and oil galleries prior to reassembly.
  23. Remove the bearing cap bolts, cap, and paper stock.
  24. Replace bearing halves as required to obtain the proper bearing clearances.
  25. Install the bearings, cap, and bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    Fig 18: Dial Indicator In Zero Position
    G02106247Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.