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Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 885 (Engine Mechanical - 4.3L (LU3)) >> Repair Instructions >> Off-Vehicle Repair Instructions >> Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearances - J 43690 Method >> Measuring Crankshaft Bearing Clearances - Plastic Gage Method

Measuring Crankshaft Bearing Clearances - Plastic Gage Method

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  1. Install the crankshaft bearings into the engine block.
    Fig 1: Installing Crankshaft Bearings
    G01977846Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Install the crankshaft.
    Fig 2: Installing Crankshaft
    G01977847Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the gaging plastic the full width of the journal.
    Fig 3: Installing Gaging Plastic
    G01977848Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install the crankshaft bearings into the crankshaft bearing caps.
    Fig 4: Installing Crankshaft Bearings
    G01977849Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Install the crankshaft bearing caps in the original positions and with the arrow on the crankshaft bearing caps in the direction of the front of the engine block.
  6. Install the crankshaft bearing cap bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the crankshaft bearing caps to 105 N.m (77 lb ft).

  7. Remove the crankshaft bearing cap bolts.
  8. Remove the crankshaft bearing caps. The gaging plastic may adhere to either the crankshaft bearing journal or the crankshaft bearing surface.
    Fig 5: Installing Crankshaft Bearing Caps
    G01977850Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Without removing the gaging plastic, measure the compressed width at the widest point using the graduated scale on the edge of the gaging plastic envelope.

    If the flattened gaging plastic tapers toward the middle or the ends, there may be a difference in clearance indicating taper, low spot or other irregularity of the crankshaft bearing or the crankshaft bearing journal,

  10. Remove the flattened gaging plastic.
  11. Measure the remaining crankshaft bearing journals.
    Fig 6: Measuring Compressed Width
    G01977851Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.