Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearances - J 43690 Method
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Savana and 2002 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the oil pan and other necessary components to gain access to the connecting rods. Remove the oil pump, screen, and deflector, when applicable.
- 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.
- Remove the bearing cap bolts, cap and bearing half.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
- Insert a piece of paper card stock onto the crankshaft journal. Install the bearing half, bearing cap, and bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
- Install the foot (1) and bolt (2) to the pivot arm assembly (3). Tighten the bolt until snug.
- Install the screw (1 or 3) to the pivot arm assembly (2).
- Install the pivot arm assembly (1) onto the connecting rod.
- Position the foot of the pivot arm assembly over the large end of the connecting rod bolt.
- Position the screw (1) onto the small end of the connecting rod bolt and tighten securely.
- Install the base (1) and bolt (2) to the oil pan rail.
- Align the center of the base (1) with the screw (3) of the pivot arm assembly. Tighten the bolt (2) until snug.
- Align the link (1) of the pivot arm assembly on a plane (3) equal to that of the connecting rod beam (2).
- 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).
- Insert the handle (1) to the pivot arm assembly.
- Select the adapter (2), as required, and install to the swivel base (1). Tighten until snug.
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.
- Install the indicator (2) to the swivel base (1). Tighten the clamp of the base until snug.
- Install the swivel base (1) to the oil pan rail of the engine block. Tighten until snug.
- 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.
- The tip of the indicator should be positioned above and NOT in contact with the cap end of the connecting rod.
- 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.
- Lightly actuate the handle of the pivot arm assembly, multiple times in both directions, to ensure the oil film is removed from the journal.
- 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.
- Remove the bearing cap bolts, cap, and paper stock.
- Replace bearing halves as required to obtain the proper bearing clearances.
- Install the bearings, cap, and bolts. Refer to Specifications .