Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance

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IMPORTANT: Connecting rod bearings are a precision insert type. Connecting rods are of a powdered metal design and cannot be shimmed or filed for bearing fit. If clearances are found to be excessive, a new bearing and/or connecting rod are required.

Do not rotate the crankshaft while gauging plastic is between the crankshaft journal and the bearing surface.

Remove the bearing cap, bearing half and bolts.

Fig 1: Bearing Cap, Bearing Half & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the gaging plastic onto the connecting rod bearing journal. Install the gaging plastic the full width of the journal.

Fig 2: Gaging Plastic Installed Onto Connecting Rod Bearing Journal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Install the bearing cap, bearing, and bolts.
Tighten
1. 3.1. Tighten the connecting rod bolts first pass to 20 N.m (15lb ft).
2. 3.2. Tighten the first design connecting rod bolts a final pass to 60 degrees using the J 36660-A.
3. 3.3 Tighten the second design connecting rod bolts a final pass to 75 degrees using the J36660-A.
  Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation .
Remove the bearing cap, bearing, and bolts.

Fig 3: Bearing Cap, Bearing & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Measure the gaging plastic at its widest area using the scale supplied with the plastic gaging kit.
The connecting rod bearing clearance should be 0.023-0.076 mm (0.0009-0.003 in).

Fig 4: Measuring Gaging Plastic At Widest Area Using Scale Supplied With Plastic Gaging Kit
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.