Crankshaft and Main Bearings

REMOVAL

1. Remove the engine from the vehicle. Mount it on a stand which allows the engine to be rotated for easy access.
2. If not already done, remove the transmission from the engine.
3. Remove the cylinder head and the front cover, timing belt or chains and sprockets as described earlier in this section.
4. Remove the oil pan (if not removed already) and pick–up screen.
5. Remove the oil pump.
6. Remove the flywheel and pilot bearing or torque converter drive plate, adapter plate and crankshaft bushing.
7. Remove the bell housing cover and rear plate, on those models so equipped.
8. Remove the rear main seal housing and seal.
9. Check the crankshaft end-play. Shift the crankshaft as far to the rear as possible. Install a dial indicator on the front of the engine with the stem directly on the front of the crankshaft. Zero the indicator and use a small pry bar to shift the crankshaft forward as far as it will go. The amount of motion will show on the dial indicator; read the figure and compare with specifications. Excess end-play is a sign of wear.

   NOTE: It's best to check the end-play with the engine in its upright (normal) position.

   Fig. 1: A dial gauge may be used to check crankshaft end-play

   Fig. 2: Carefully pry the shaft back and forth while reading the dial gauge for play

10. Invert the engine, and remove the connecting rod caps, keeping them in exact order. Loosen the bolts slowly and evenly. It is recommended that each cap be marked with its cylinder number before disassembly.
11. Remove the main bearing caps, keeping them in order. The caps are marked with arrows indicating the front of the engine, and are numbered in order from front to rear.
12. Once all the bearing caps are removed, the crankshaft may be removed if necessary.

    CAUTION
    The crankshaft is a heavy component and can cause damage or injury if dropped or banged into other components during removal. The polished surfaces must be protected from dirt and abrasion during repairs.

13. Clean the crankshaft and bearing surfaces with a parts solvent. If necessary, remove the bearing shells from the caps, block and connecting rods in order to soak them. Note or diagram their positions and keep them in exact order at all times. Once used, bearing shells are NOT interchangeable and must be reinstalled in their original location.