Method of Using Plastigage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Altima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove oil and dust on the crankshaft journal and the surfaces of each bearing completely.
Cut the Plastigage slightly shorter than the bearing width, and place it in crankshaft axial direction, avoiding oil holes.
Tighten the main bearing bolts to the specified torque.
CAUTION: Never rotate the crankshaft.
Remove the bearing cap and bearings, and using the scale on the plastigage bag, measure the plastigage width. See Figure.
NOTE: The procedure when the measured value exceeds the limit is same as that described in the "Method by Calculation".