46. Crankshaft and Bearing Installation

Crankshaft and Bearings Installation

^ Tool Required
- J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

Important: The upper main bearings have an oil groove and oil holes, the lower bearings do not have oil grooves or oil holes.





1. Install the upper main bearings into the cylinder block and lubricate with engine oil.





2. Install the lower main bearings into the lower crankcase and lubricate with engine oil.





3. Install the 2 upper thrust bearing washers into the cylinder block and lubricate with engine oil.

Important: Install the upper thrust bearing washers with the oil groove facing outward.

4. Carefully place the crankshaft on to the main bearings in the cylinder block.
5. Thoroughly clean and remove any oil residue from the cylinder block mating surfaces.

Important: Try to avoid applying an excessive amount of sealant to the surface.





6. Apply a continuous bead of GM P/N 12346240 (Canadian P/N 10953493) or equivalent sealant to the cylinder block mating rails.





Notice: In order to prevent the possibility of cylinder block or crankshaft bearing cap damage, the crankshaft bearing caps are tapped into the cylinder block cavity using a brass, lead, or a leather mallet before the attaching bolts are installed. Do not use attaching bolts to pull the crankshaft bearing caps into the seats. Failure to use this process may damage a cylinder block or a bearing cap.

7. Carefully place the lower crankcase assembly on to the cylinder block.
8. Gently tap the lower crankcase into place with a suitable tool.

Notice: This bolt is designed to permanently stretch when tightened. The correct part number fastener must be used to replace this type of fastener. Do not use a bolt that is stronger in this application. If the correct bolt is not used, the parts will not be tightened correctly. The system or the components may be damaged.

9. Install the 10 main bearing cap bolts. Finger tighten.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

10. Progressively torque the main bearing cap bolts using 3 steps in the sequence shown.
10.1. 1st Pass Tighten the main bearing cap bolts to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
10.2. 2nd Pass Tighten the main bearing cap bolts to 44 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).
10.3. 3rd Pass After reaching the torque of 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.). Use a J 36660-A and tighten the main bearing cap bolts an additional 90°.
11. Install the 10 lower crankcase bolts.
^ Tighten the 10 lower crankcase bolts to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs.).