Main & Connecting Rod Bearings: Installation
- Determine crankshaft journal clearance in bearing using Plastigage method. Place a jack under counterweight adjoining bearing being checked so weight of crankshaft will not compress Plastigage and provide an erroneous reading. See Fig 1.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- If bearing clearance is excessive, a 0.001" or 0.002" undersize bearing may be used in combination with a standard size bearing. If 0.002" undersize bearings are used on more than one journal, they may be positioned in cylinder block rather than bearing cap.
- If standard and 0.002" undersize combination do not bring bearing clearance within specified limits, crankshaft will have to be refinished and undersized bearings installed.
- Fit and install bearing inserts in connecting rods and caps so tangs fit into slots provided.