Pontiac 18008494 Bearing Kit,Connect Rod Std

Three precautions should be taken: 1. Ensure all oil and grease are removed from the crankshaft and bearing surfaces during testing. 2. Avoid rotating the crankshaft while Plastigage is installed to prevent damage. 3. Carefully remove all traces of Plastigage after testing without harming the crankshaft or bearing surfaces, using a fingernail or a blunt wood stick instead of sharp tools or abrasive cleaners.

Ensure that all bearing surfaces and the crankshaft journal are coated with engine oil, then remove the tubing protector pieces and install the connecting rod bearing cap (with bearing) to the connecting rod.

Turn the engine so the piston is at the bottom of its stroke.

Ensure the cylinder bores are perfectly clean by wiping the cylinder walls several times with light engine oil and a clean, lint-free cloth.

The procedure for checking main bearing clearances is as follows: 1. Install the main bearings and caps into the engine block after cleaning the crankshaft and bearing surfaces. 2. Place a piece of Plastigage along each main bearing journal. 3. Install and tighten the main bearing caps to the specified torque, ensuring the arrows on the caps face the front of the engine. 4. After tightening, remove each bearing cap and measure the width of the flattened Plastigage strip using the scale provided on the envelope to determine bearing clearance.

Avoid cleaning and inspecting the piston/rod assemblies at this stage, as they may need to be replaced depending on the condition of the cylinder block or crankshaft.

Verify that the piston/rod assembly is correctly positioned by noting that most pistons will be marked with an 'F' or a drilled-out area indicating the piston should be installed with these marks toward the front of the engine, and the rod bearing tang slots should be towards the outside of the engine block once installed.

If the Plastigage is flattened more at the ends than in the middle, it indicates journal taper, which can be checked against specifications.

Work on one cylinder at a time by turning the engine so the piston is at the bottom of its stroke, and place a rag on top of the piston to catch the cuttings.