Main Bearing Clearance Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

To check main bearing-to-journal oil clearance, remove the bearing cap bridge and bearing halves (see CRANKSHAFT AND PISTON REMOVAL ).
Clean each main journal and bearing half with a clean shop towel.
Place one strip of plastigage across each main journal.
Reinstall the bearings and bearing cap bridge, then tighten the bearing cap bolts to 25 N.m (2.5 kgf.m, 18 lbf.ft) in the proper sequence.
NOTE: Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspection. Apply new engine oil to the bolt threads and flanges.

Fig 1: Identifying Bearing Cap Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Tighten the bearing cap bolts an additional 40°.

Fig 2: Tightening Bolts An Additional 40 Degrees
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bearing cap bridge and bearings again, and measure the widest part of the plastigage.
Main Bearing-to-Journal Oil Clearance

Standard (New): 0.018-0.036 mm (0.0007-0.0014 in.)

Service Limit: 0.050 mm (0.0020 in.)

Fig 3: Measuring Widest Part Of Plastigage
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the crankshaft, and remove the upper half of the bearing. Install a new, complete bearing with the same color code(s), and recheck the clearance. Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the caps to adjust clearance.
If the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect, try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color listed above or below the current one), and check again. If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft (see CRANKSHAFT AND PISTON REMOVAL and start over.