Method of Using Plastigage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove oil and dust on crankshaft pin journal and the surfaces of each bearing completely.
Cut plastigage slightly shorter than the bearing width, and place it in crankshaft axial direction, avoiding oil holes.
Install connecting rod bearings to connecting rod and cap, and tighten connecting rod bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "ASSEMBLY " for the tightening procedure.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft.
Remove connecting rod bearing cap and bearing, and using scale on plastigage bag, measure the plastigage width.
NOTE: The procedure when the measured value exceeds the limit is same as that described in the "Method by Calculation".

Fig 1: Measuring Plastigage Width
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.