Checking Crankshaft

Checking crankshaft (checking bearing clearance)

Tools





Preliminary work

1. Remove oil pan.
2. Remove oil pump.

Tools and materials

Tools and measuring/test equipment





Information

Component overview








Measuring radial play and axial play of crankshaft

Measuring radial play of crankshaft
1. Dismantle bearing cover for shaft journals and remove along with bearing shells.
2. Clean shaft journal and bearing shells with a lint-free cloth.





Note:
^ When measuring radial play, do not rotate the crankshaft.
^ Plastigage is highly susceptible to damage Insert Plastigage carefully.
^ With the Plastigage strip inserted, do not allow any sideways or axial movement of the bearing shells otherwise the measurements may be incorrect (changes to the Plastigage strip).

3. Lay the 10 mm strip of the red Plastigage on the shaft journals or on the bearing shells. -arrow-
4. Attach the bearing cover along with the bearing shell with the correct tightening torque.





Note: The Plastigage packaging features a representation of a measurement scale on both sides, one in inches and the other in millimetres. Do not mix up the two of them when measuring.

5. Remove the bearing cap again and compare the thickness of the Plastigage with the scale on the packaging -see illustration-. If the limit of wear is equaled or exceeded, replace the crankshaft and bearing shells.








Measuring axial play of crankshaft





1. Measure the axial bearing play (bearing cover 5) between the thrust washer and the crank web -see illustration-. When measuring turn the crankshaft by hand in the direction of travel.
If the limit of wear has been equaled or exceeded, dismantle the bearing cover and perform the measurement again with new thrust washers. If the measured values from the last measurement show no improvement, the crankshaft and bearing shells should be replaced.








Subsequent work

1. Install oil pump.
2. Install oil pan.