Connecting Rod Bearing: Testing and Inspection
CLEARANCE1. Remove the connecting rod cap and bearing half.
2. Clean the crankshaft rod journal and bearing half with a clean shop towel.
3. Place the plastigage across the rod journal.
4. Reinstall the bearing half and cap, and torque the nuts (B18C5 engine.)
B18B1 engine: 31 Nm (3.2 kgf.m, 23 ft. lbs.)
B18C1 engine: 44 Nm (4.5 kgf.m, 33 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspection.
Connecting Rod Bearing-to-Journal Oil Clearance:
B18B1 engine:
Standard (New): 0.020 - 0.038 mm (0.0008 - 0.0015 inch)
Service Limit: 0.050 mm (0.0020 inch)
B18C1 engine:
Standard (New): 0.032 - 0.050 mm (0.0013 - 0.0020 inch)
Service Limit: 0.060 mm (0.0024 inch)
B18C5 engine:
Standard (New): 0.038 - 0.050 mm (0.0015 - 0.0020 inch)
Service Limit: 0.060 mm (0.0024 inch)
6. If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the upper half of the bearing, install a new, complete bearing with the same color code (select the color as shown in the right column), and recheck the clearance.
CAUTION: Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearing or the caps to adjust clearance.
7. If the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect, try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color listed above or below that one), and check clearance again.
NOTE: If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start over.
SELECTION
CAUTION: If the codes are indecipherable because of an accumulation of dirt and dust, do not scrub them with a wire brush or scraper. Clean them only with solvent or detergent.
Connecting Rod Journal Code Locations (letters Or Bars):
Connecting Rod Code Location
A number has been stamped on the side of each connecting rod as a code for the size of the big end. Use it, and the letters stamped on the crank (codes for rod journal size), to choose the correct bearings.
B18C5 Engine:
CAUTION: If the codes are indecipherable because of an accumulation of dirt and dust, do not scrub them with a wire brush or scraper. Clean them only with solvent or detergent.
Connecting Rod Journal Code Locations (Letters Or Bars):
Connecting Rod Code Location
A number has been stamped on the side of each connecting rod as a code for the size of the big end. Use it, and the letters stamped on the crank (codes for rod journal size), to choose the correct bearings.