3. Use piston ring compressor (3) and Guide Pins
Special Tool 8507 to install the rod and piston
assemblies. The oil slinger slots in the rods must
face front of the engine. The “F”’s near the piston
wrist pin bore (1) should point to the front of the
engine.
4. Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing cap.
Center bearing insert in connecting rod.. The
lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plastigage
across full width of the lower insert at the center of
bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in use. If
brittle, obtain fresh stock.
5. Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the jour-
nal and tighten bolts to 27 N·m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
90° turn. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.
6. Remove the bearing cap and determine amount of
bearing-to-journal
clearance
by
measuring
the
width of compressed Plastigage (2). Refer to
Engine Specifications for the proper clearance.
Plastigage should indicate the same clearance
across the entire width of the insert. If the
clearance varies, it may be caused by either a
tapered journal, bent connecting rod or foreign
material trapped between the insert and cap or
rod.
7. If the correct clearance is indicated, replacement of
the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove the
Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing insert. Proceed with installation.
9 - 2110
ENGINE - 3.7L - SERVICE INFORMATION
DR/DH