Crankshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect

- Tools Required
- J 7872 Magnetic Base Dial Indicator, Or Equivalent

WARNING: Wear safety glasses to avoid injury when using compressed air or any cleaning solvent. Bodily injury may occur if fumes are inhaled or if skin is exposed to chemicals.

1. Clean the crankshaft with clean solvent using the following procedure:
- Do not scratch the bearing journals.
- Blow all of the sludge from the oil passages with compressed air.
- Remove the clutch pilot bearing located in the end of the crankshaft (manual transmission only).
2. Wipe the crankshaft bearing inserts free of oil with a soft cloth.
3. Inspect the crankshaft for cracks using the Magnaflux Spot-check dye method or the equivalent.
4. Inspect the crankshaft bearing journals and thrust surfaces for the following conditions:
- Scoring
- Nicks
- Damage caused by lack of lubrication
5. Inspect the crankshaft bearing inserts and thrust surfaces for the following conditions:
- Scoring
- Nicks
- Damage caused by lack of lubrication
- The lower bearing inserts (except the front bearing) will show greater wear and the most distress from fatigue. If the lower insert is worn or damaged, replace both the upper and the lower inserts as a set.





6. Measure the crankshaft journal diameter with a micrometer in several places, approximately 90° apart. Average the measurements.





7. The connecting rod and the crankshaft bearing journal sizes are color coded with paint markings. Main bearing journal markings are blue, orange/red, or white. Rod bearing journal markings are yellow or green.





8 Compute taper. Refer to specifications. Replace the crankshaft if the measurement exceeds specifications.
9. Measure the crankshaft runout using the following procedure:
a. Mount the crankshaft in V-blocks at crankshaft journals one and five.
b. Use the magnetic base dial indicator to measure crankshaft runout. Replace the crankshaft bearings and the crankshaft if the runout exceeds 0.01 mm (0.0004 inch).