Genuine 1987 Pontiac Fiero Crankshaft

1987 Pontiac Fiero Crankshaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q:

  Is crankshaft installation typically one of the initial tasks in engine reassembly on 1987 Pontiac Fiero?

  Posted by Rianna L.

  A:

  Usually, crankshaft fitting may be among the initial steps in the process of engine assembling assuming that both the crank and the block have been washed, checked and mended. Place the engine in a similar way as in the previous step and, after that, take out the main bearing cap bolts and the caps themselves; it will be helpful to lay them aside in order not to mix them up when returning them to the engine. If old bearing inserts are left, it is recommended that they should be removed and the main bearing surfaces wiped with a cloth so that they are free from dust. Remove all old bearing material from the block main bearings, then clean out only the new main bearing inserts with out oiling the main bearings or damaging the bearing faces, then, install one half of a new main bearing insert in each of the block main bearing saddles, and the corresponding half in the main bearing cap, such that you can fit the tab as designed to the recess therein. There are two distinctive types of flanged thrust bearing so install the correct one in its respective engine cap and saddle, clean the bearing faces and crankshaft main bearing journals. After ensuring the crankshaft is clean align the crankshaft to main bearings and ensure the main bearing oil clearance by placing Plastigage on each journal. Fit the caps in their positions and properly without changing their places, then engage the bolts with three steps of tightenings to specified torque without turning the crankshaft. Once that is done, take an instance of the crushed Plastigage width referred to the scale for clearance, put the correct bearing inserts and ascertain if any debris hindered the measurement. Carefully take off all Plastigage material and then pull up the crankshaft out of the case; it is advised to clean bearing surfaces and apply a thin coat of moly-base grease or the assembly lube on both thrust flange faces as well as on other bearing surfaces. On the V6 engines, apply some oil on the rear main bearing oil seal and if needs be smear gasket sealant on the rear main bearing cap before placing the crankshaft in the correct position. Wipe the bearing faces in the caps, lubricate them with fresh grease, and fit the caps with the arrow pointing forward, and turn the bolts to the requisite torque in turn to the right, left, right fashion. Last of all, try to turn the crankshaft by hand to see if you sense some sort of binding and use either a feeler gauge or dial indicator and measure the crankshaft end play.

  Answered by GM Parts Specialist Jeremy / Jan 20, 2025