Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Oil Clearance

1. Remove connecting rod caps and check oil clearance.





(a) Using a punch or numbering stamp, mark the connecting rod and cap to ensure correct reassembly.
(b) Remove the connecting rod cap nuts.





(c) Using a plastic-faced hammer, lightly tap the connecting rod bolts and lift off the connecting rod cap.

NOTE: Keep the lower bearing inserted with the connecting rod cap.

(d) Cover the connecting rod bolts with a short piece of hose to protect the crankshaft from damage.





(e) Clean the crank pin and bearing.
(f) Check the crank pin and bearing for pitting and scratches. If the crank pin or bearing is damaged, replace the bearings. If necessary, grind or replace the crankshaft.





(g) Lay a strip of Plastigage across the crank pin.
(h) Install the connecting rod cap with the 2 nuts.

Torque:
1st pass: 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
2nd pass: Turn additional 90°

CAUTION: Do not turn the crankshaft.

(i) Remove the 2 nuts and connecting rod cap.
(See procedure (b) and (c) above).





(j) Measure the Plastigage at its widest point.
Standard oil clearance:
STD: 0.024 - 0.053 mm (0.0009 - 0.0021 inch)
U/S 0.25: 0.023 - 0.069 mm (0.0009 - 0.0027 inch)
Maximum oil clearance: 0.08 mm (0.0031 inch)
If the oil clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the bearings. If necessary, grind or replace the crankshaft.





NOTE: If using a standard bearing, replace with one having the same number marked on the connecting rod cap. There are 3 sizes of standard bearings, marked "1", "2" and "3" accordingly.

Reference:
Standard bearing center wall thickness:
Mark "1": 1.484 - 1.488 mm (0.0584 - 0.0586 inch)
Mark "2": 1.488 - 1.492 mm (0.0586 - 0.0587 inch)
Mark "3": 1.492 - 1.496 mm (0.0587 - 0.0589 inch)
(k) Completely remove the Plastigage.