Connecting Rod Clearance Measurement Procedure

Connecting Rod Clearance Measurement Procedure





- Using J 43690 and J 43690-100 The J 43690 and the J 43690-100 have been developed as a more accurate method to measure connecting rod bearing clearances. The instructions below provide an overview of tool set-up and usage. For more detailed information, refer to the tool instruction sheets as supplied by the tool manufacturer.

- J 43690 Rod Bearing Clearance Checking Tool
- J 43690-20 Swivel Base (1)
- J 43690-19 Dial Indicator (2)
- J 43690-2 Base (3)
- J 43690-5, -6 Handle (4)
- J 43690-10, -11 Foot (5)
- J 80307 Screw (6)
- J 43690-1 Pivot Arm Assembly (7)
- J 43690-3, -7, -8 Screws (8)
- J 0319 Screw (9)
- J 80311 Screw (10)
- J 43690-17, -18 Adapter (11)
- J 80310 Pin (12)





- J 43690-100 Rod Bearing Clearance Tool - Adapter Kit
- J 43690-104 Spacer (1)
- J 43690-105 Retainer Plate (2)
- J 05478 Bolt (3)
- 511341 Bolt (4)
- J 43690-106 Retainer Plate (5)
- J 43690-107 Cap (6)
- J 43690-102 Foot (7)
- J 43690-101 Pivot Arm Assembly (8)
- J 43690-103 Adapter (9)
- 505439 Adapter (10)

1. Install the lower crankcase.
2. Rotate the crankshaft until the crankshaft journal and the connecting rod to be measured is in the 12 o'clock position.

Important: The crankshaft must be secure with no movement or rotation in order to obtain an accurate reading.

3. Remove the crankshaft main bolts required to install the retainer plate J 43690-105.
4. Install the J 43690-105 retainer plate and crankshaft main bolts.

Important: Do not allow the J 43690-105 retainer plate screw to contact the reluctor ring.

5. Tighten the J 43690-105 retainer plate screw until snug in order to secure the crankshaft movement.
6. Install the foot and bolt to the J 43690-101 pivot arm assembly. Tighten the bolt until snug.
7. Install the J 43690-101 pivot arm assembly onto the connecting rod and tighten the screw securely.
8. Install the base and bolt to the oil pan rail.
9. Align the center of the base with the screw of the J 43690-101 pivot arm assembly. Tighten the bolt until snug.
10. Align the link of the J 43690-101 pivot arm assembly on a plane equal to that of the connecting rod beam.
11. Insert the pin to the base and J 43690-101 pivot arm assembly.
12. Select the adapter as required and install to the swivel base. Tighten until snug.
13. Install the swivel base to the oil pan rail.

Important: The clamp of the swivel base and the shaft of the indicator should be free of oil or other debris. A loose or improperly clamped indicator may indicate incorrect readings.

14. Install the indicator to the swivel base. Tighten the clamp of the base until snug.

Important: The tip of the indicator should be positioned above and NOT in contact with the end of the connecting rod.

15. Adjust the swivel base as required and position the indicator tip slightly above the connecting rod cap. Lock the swivel base in position by rotating the locking lever.
16. Rotate the fine adjustment knobs on the dial indicator end of the swivel base in order to position the tip of the indicator in contact with the connecting rod.
17. Lightly actuate the handle of the pivot arm assembly, multiple times in both directions, to ensure the oil film is removed from the connecting rod.
18. Load the handle in the forward position and zero the dial indicator. Load the handle multiple times in both directions and record the readings.
19. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
20. Remove the J 43690-105 retainer plate.
21. Install the crankshaft main bolts.
22. Reposition the tools and repeat Step 2 through Step 21 for all other connecting rods.
23. If clearances do not meet specifications, replace components as required.