Powertrain

General Procedures - Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Clearance

4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

Check

  1. Remove the connecting rod bearing cap and the connecting rod bearing.
  2. Place a piece of Plastigage on the bearing surface.
  3. Install and tighten to specification, then remove the connecting rod bearing cap.
  4. Measure the Plastigage to determine the connecting rod bearing journal clearance. The Plastigage must be smooth and even. A change in width indicates a tapered or damaged connecting rod or crankshaft journal.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.