Genuine 1994 Chevrolet Beretta Crankshaft

1994 Chevrolet Beretta Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove the crankshaft from an engine on 1994 Chevrolet Beretta?

  A: The crankshaft can only be removed after the engine has been removed from the vehicle. It is assumed that the flywheel or drive plate, crankshaft balancer/vibration damper, timing chain, oil pan, oil pump, and piston/connecting rod assemblies have already been removed. The rear main oil seal/housing (Quad-4 only) must be unbolted and separated from the block before proceeding with crankshaft removal. Before removing the crankshaft, check the endplay. Mount a dial indicator with the stem in line with the crankshaft and just touching one of the crank throws. Push the crankshaft all the way to the rear and zero the dial indicator. Next, pry the crankshaft to the front as far as possible and check the reading on the dial indicator. The distance it moves is the endplay. If it is greater than specified, check the crankshaft thrust surfaces for wear. If no wear is evident, new main bearings should correct the endplay. If a dial indicator is not available, feeler gauges can be used. Gently pry or push the crankshaft all the way to the front of the engine. Slip feeler gauges between the crankshaft and the front face of the thrust main bearing to determine the clearance. Check the main bearing caps to see if they are marked to indicate their locations. They should be numbered consecutively from the front of the engine to the rear. If they are not, mark them with number stamping dies or a center punch. Main bearing caps generally have a cast-in arrow, which points to the front of the engine. Loosen the main bearing cap bolts 1/4-turn at a time until they can be removed by hand. Note if any stud bolts are used and make sure they are returned to their original locations when the crankshaft is reinstalled. Gently tap the caps with a soft-face hammer, then separate them from the engine block. If necessary, use the bolts as levers to remove the caps. Try not to drop the bearing inserts if they come out with the caps. Carefully lift the crankshaft out of the engine. It may be a good idea to have an assistant available since the crankshaft is quite heavy. With the bearing inserts in place in the engine block and main bearing caps, return the caps to their respective locations on the engine block and tighten the bolts finger tight.