Tools Required

J 36660-A  Torque Angle Meter

The connecting rod bearings are of the precision insert type. The connecting rod bearings are available in standard and various undersizes.

Fig 1: Cleaning Oil, Sludge & Carbon From Crankshaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Inspect the connecting rod bearing bores using the following procedure:
   1. Tighten the bearing cap to specification.
   2. Measure the bearing bore for taper and out-of-round.
   3. No taper or out-of-round should exist.
Fig 2: Locating Connecting Rod Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The crankshaft and the lower crankcase assembly must be installed and properly torqued before measuring the connecting rod clearances.
2. Starting with the number one connecting rod, remove the connecting rod cap bolts.
Fig 3: Reinserting Connecting Rod Cap Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Remove the connecting rod cap by partially reinserting the connecting rod cap bolts into the connecting rod cap and wiggle the connecting rod cap left and right.
Fig 4: Laying Gaging Plastic
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Lay a piece of gaging plastic across the crankshaft number one connecting rod journal.
IMPORTANT: Do not turn the crankshaft while measuring the bearing clearance.
5. Carefully place the connecting rod cap onto the connecting rod.
NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
6. Install the 2 connecting rod bearing cap bolts.

   Tighten:  Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft), then rotate 90 degrees using the J 36660-A  .

7. After reaching the proper torque, remove the 2 crankshaft connecting rod bearing cap bolts.
8. Carefully remove the connecting rod cap from the connecting rod.
Fig 5: Measuring Gaging Plastic
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Measure the gaging plastic at its widest point.

   • Standard Oil Clearance:  0.028-0.052 mm (0.0011-0.0020 in)

   • Maximum Oil Clearance:  0.08 mm (0.0031 in)

Fig 6: Standard Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. If using a standard bearing, replace it with one having the same number. There are 3 sizes of standard bearings.