Crankshaft

Fig. 15 Connection Rod Endplay Check:

1. Install main bearings into cylinder block and bearing caps. The shape of center main bearing on cylinder block side is different from that of the other main bearings.
2. Measure oil clearance between crankshaft journal and main bearing using Plastigage as follows:
a. Clean bearing and crankshaft journal.
b. Position Plastigage on top of journal in axial direction of journal.
c. Install main bearing cap and tighten bolts to specifications.
d. Remove cap and measure oil clearance.
e. Clearance should measure .0012-.0019 inch (.031-.049mm) on No. 3 bearing, or .0010-.0017 inch (.025-.043mm) for Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 bearings. Clearance must not exceed .0031 inch (.08mm).
f. If clearance is not within specifications, grind crankshaft and install undersize bearings. Bearings are available in undersizes of .010 inch (.25mm), .020 inch (.50mm) and .030 inch (.75mm).
3. Apply clean engine oil to bearings and journals, then install crankshaft and main bearing caps. Tighten cap bolts to specifications.
4. Measure crankshaft endplay. Endplay should be .0031-.0071 inch (.08-.18mm) on 626 and .012 on MX-6. If endplay is greater than specifications, install correct undersize bearing needed to bring endplay within allowable limits. Thrust bearings are available in undersizes of .010 inch (.25mm), .020 inch (.50mm) and .030 inch (.75mm).
5. On models equipped with manual transaxle, install pilot bearing as follows:
a. Apply clean engine oil to crankshaft and outer surface of bearing.
b. Position a pipe with an outside diameter of 1.18-1.34 inch against outer bearing race and drive bearing into place.
c. Apply suitable grease to bearing.
6. On all models, measure clearance between connecting rod bearing and crankshaft pin journal using Plastigage as described in step 2. Clearance should measure .0010-.0026 inch (.027-.067mm) and must not exceed .0039 inch (.10mm). If clearance is not within specifications, install undersize bearings as needed. Bearings are available in undersizes of .010 inch (.25mm), .020 inch (.50mm) and .030 inch (.75mm).
7. Install connecting rod bearing caps and tighten attaching bolts to specifications.
8. Measure connecting rod endplay, Fig. 15. Endplay must not exceed .012 inch (.30mm).