Cylinder Block: Assembly: Crankshaft

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install signal plate to crankshaft using dowel pin to properly position the signal plate. Remove the dowel pin after the signal plate bolts are tightened.

Fig 1: Installing Signal Plate To Crankshaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Tighten bolts to 7.64-9.22 N.m (0.78-0.94 kg.m, 67.7-81.6 in.lb)
  Dowel pin diameter: 6 mm (3/16 in)
Set main bearings in their proper positions on cylinder block and main bearing cap.
- Confirm that correct main bearings are selected by using Method A or Method B. Refer to " BEARING CLEARANCE .
- Apply new engine oil to bearing surfaces.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Main Bearing Cap Identification Number
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Oil Hole & Groove
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install crankshaft and main bearing caps and tighten bolts to the specified torque.
- Apply new engine oil to the bolt thread and seat surface.
- Prior to tightening bearing cap bolts, shift crankshaft back and forth to properly seat the bearing caps.
- Tighten bearing cap bolts gradually in two or three stages. Start with center bearing and move outward as shown in Fig 4 .
  
  Fig 4: Crankshaft & Main Bearing Caps Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.
Measure crankshaft end play.

Fig 5: Measuring Crankshaft End Play
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Crankshaft end play

Standard: 0.060 - 0.220 mm (0.0024 - 0.0087 in)

Limit: 0.3 mm (0.012 in)

If beyond the limit, replace thrust bearing with new ones.
Install connecting rod bearings in connecting rods and connecting rod caps.
- Confirm that correct bearings are used. Refer to CONNECTING ROD BEARING .
- Install bearings so that oil hole in connecting rod aligns with oil hole of bearing .
  
  Fig 6: Aligning Oil Hole
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Apply new engine oil to bolt threads and bearing surfaces.
Install pistons with connecting rods.

Fig 7: Installing Piston With Connecting Rod
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
1. Install them into corresponding cylinders with Tool.
  - Make sure connecting rod does not scratch cylinder wall.
  - Make sure connecting rod bolts do not scratch crankshaft pin journals.
  - Arrange so that front mark on piston head faces engine.
  - Apply new engine oil to piston rings and sliding surface of piston.
2. Install connecting rod caps.
  
  Fig 8: Installing Connecting Rod Caps
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Apply new engine oil to bolt threads and nut seating surfaces. Tighten connecting rod cap nuts in two stages:
  
  Stage 1: 13.72 - 15.68 N.m (1.399 - 1.599 kg.m, 10.120 - 11.566 ft.lb)
  
  Stage 2: 35-40° clockwise, or 23 - 28 N.m (2.3 - 2.9 kg.m, 17 - 21 ft.lb)
Measure connecting rod side clearance.

Fig 9: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Connecting rod side clearance

Standard: 0.200 - 0.470 mm (0.0079 - 0.0185 in)

Limit: 0.52 mm (0.0205 in)

If beyond the limit, replace connecting rod and/or crankshaft.
Install rear oil seal retainer.
1. Before installing rear oil seal retainer, remove old RTV Silicone Sealant from cylinder block and retainer.
2. Apply a continuous bead of RTV Silicone Sealant to rear oil seal retainer.
  
  Fig 10: Installing Rear Oil Seal Retainer
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  - Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant, or equivalent. Refer to RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS .
  - Apply around inner side of bolt holes.
Install Crankshaft Position sensor (POS).
Install Knock Sensor at correct angle.

Fig 11: Installing Knock Sensor
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.