The connecting rod bearings are of the precision insert type and do not utilize shims for adjustment. DO NOT INTERCHANGE RODS OR ROD CAPS. If clearances are found excessive a new bearing will be required.
Service bearings are available in standard size and ,013mm (.0005″) and .026mm (.001″) under size for use with new and used standard size crankshafts.
INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
1. With oil pan and oil pump removed, remove connecting rod cap and bearing. Before removing connecting rod
cap, mark the side of the rod and cap with the cylinder number to assure matched reassembly of rod and cap.
2. Inspect the bearing for evidence of wear or damage. (Bearings showing the above should not be installed.)
3. Wipe both upper and lower bearing shells and crankpin clean of oil.
4. Measure the crankpin for out-of-round or taper with micrometer. If not within specifications replace or recondition the crankshaft. If within specifications and a new bearing is to be installed, measure the maximum diameter of the crankpin to determine new bearing size required.
5. If within specifications measure new or used bearing clearances with Plastigage or its equivalent. If a bearing is being fitted to an out-of-round crankpin, be sure to fit to the maximum diameter of the crankpin. If the bearing is fitted to the minimum diameter and the crankpin is out-of-round .001″ interference between the bearing and crankpin will result in rapid bearing failure.
a. Place a piece of gaging plastic, the length of the bearing (parallel to the crankshaft), on the crankpin or bearing surface.
Plastic gage should be positioned in the middle of upper or lower bearing shell. (Bearings are eccentric and false readings could occur if placed elsewhere.)
b. Install the bearing in the connecting rod and cap.
Install the bearing cap and evenly torque nuts to specifications. Do not turn the crankshaft with the gaging plastic installed.
Remove the bearing cap and using the scale on the gaging plastic envelope, measure the gaging plastic width at the widest point.
6. If the clearance exceeds specification (.0018″-.0039″), select a new, correct size, bearing and remeasure the clearance. Be sure to check what size bearing is being removed in order to determine proper replacement size bearing. If clearance cannot be brought to within specifications, the crankpin will have to be ground undersize. If the crankpin is already at maximum undersize, replace crankshaft.
7. Coat the bearing surface with oil, install the rod cap and torque nuts to specifications 65 N-m (45 ft. lbs.).
8. When all connecting rod bearings have been installed tap each rod lightly (parallel to the crankpin) to make sure they have clearance.
9. Measure all connecting rod side clearances (.063-.17mm) between connecting rod caps.
Rod Assembly
If a rod is twisted or bent, a new rod must be installed. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO STRAIGHTEN CONNECTING RODS.
The connecting rods are forged heat-treated steel. They are balanced to within ± 10 grams to avoid engine imbalance.
The connecting rod wrist pin bronze bushing is not serviced. If the clearance between the wrist pin bushing and the wrist pin exceeds .030mm (.0012″) the rod must be replaced.
