Method of Using Plastigage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove oil and dust on the crankshaft pin and the surfaces of each bearing completely.
Cut a Plastigage slightly shorter than the bearing width, and place it in crankshaft axial direction, avoiding oil holes.
Install the connecting rod bearings to the connecting rod cap, and tighten the connecting rod nuts to the specified torque.
CAUTION: Never rotate the crankshaft.
Remove the connecting rod cap and bearings, and using the scale on the Plastigage bag, measure the Plastigage width.
NOTE: The procedure when the measured value exceeds the repair limit is same as that described in "METHOD BY CALCULATION ".

Fig 1: Using The Scale On The Plastigage Bag, Measure The Plastigage Width

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.