original bearing shells are being used for the
check, ensure that they are refitted in their
original locations. The clearance can be
checked in either of two ways.
6 One method is to refit the big-end bearing
cap to the connecting rod, ensuring that they
are fitted the correct way around (see
paragraph 20), with the bearing shells in
place. With the cap retaining nuts correctly
tightened, use an internal micrometer or
vernier caliper to measure the internal
diameter of each assembled pair of bearing
shells. If the diameter of each corresponding
crankshaft journal is measured and then
subtracted from the bearing internal diameter,
the result will be the big-end bearing running
clearance.
7 The second, and more accurate, method is
to use Plastigauge (see Section 18).
8 Ensure that the bearing shells are correctly
fitted. Place a strand of Plastigauge on each
(cleaned) crankpin journal.
9 Refit the (clean) piston/connecting rod
assemblies to the crankshaft, and refit the
big-end bearing caps, using the marks made
or noted on removal to ensure that they are
fitted the correct way around.
10 Tighten the bearing cap nuts as described
below in paragraph 21 or 22 (as applicable).
Take care not to disturb the Plastigauge or
rotate the connecting rod during the
tightening sequence.
11 Dismantle the assemblies without rotating
the connecting rods. Use the scale printed on
the Plastigauge envelope to obtain the big-
end bearing running clearance.
12 If the clearance is significantly different
from that expected, the bearing shells may be
the wrong size (or excessively worn, if the
original shells are being re-used). Make sure
that no dirt or oil was trapped between the
bearing shells and the caps or block when the
clearance was measured. If the Plastigauge
was wider at one end than at the other, the
crankshaft journal may be tapered.
13 Note that Peugeot do not specify a
recommended big-end bearing running
clearance. The figure given in the Specifica-
tions is a guide figure, which is typical for this
type of engine. Before condemning the
components concerned, refer to your Peugeot
dealer or engine reconditioning specialist for
further information on the specified running
clearance. Their advice on the best course of
action to be taken can then also be obtained.
14 On completion, carefully scrape away all
traces of the Plastigauge material from the
crankshaft and bearing shells. Use your
fingernail, or some other object which is
unlikely to score the bearing surfaces.
Final piston/connecting rod
refitting
15 Note that the following procedure
assumes that the cylinder liners (where fitted)
are in position in the cylinder block/crankcase
as described in Section 12, and that the
crankshaft and main bearing ladder/caps are
in place (see Section 18).
16 Ensure that the bearing shells are
correctly fitted as described earlier. If new
shells are being fitted, ensure that all traces of
the protective grease are cleaned off using
paraffin. Wipe dry the shells and connecting
rods with a lint-free cloth.
17 Lubricate the cylinder bores, the pistons,
and piston rings, then lay out each
piston/connecting rod assembly in its
respective position.
18 Start with assembly No 1. Make sure that
the piston rings are still spaced as described
in Section 17, then clamp them in position
with a piston ring compressor.
19 Insert the piston/connecting rod assembly
into the top of cylinder/liner No 1. On petrol
engines, ensure that the arrow on the piston
crown is pointing towards the timing belt end
of the engine and on Diesel engines ensure
that the cloverleaf-shaped cut-out on the
piston crown is towards the front (oil filter
side) of the cylinder block. Using a block of
wood or hammer handle against the piston
crown, tap the assembly into the cylinder/liner
until the piston crown is flush with the top of
the cylinder/liner (see illustration).
20 Ensure that the bearing shell is still
correctly installed. Liberally lubricate the
crankpin and both bearing shells. Taking care
not to mark the cylinder/liner bores, pull the
piston/connecting rod assembly down the
bore and onto the crankpin. Refit the big-end
bearing cap, tightening its retaining nuts
finger-tight at first. Note that the faces with
the identification marks must match (which
means that the bearing shell locating tabs
abut each other).
21 On TU series engines, tighten the bearing
cap retaining nuts evenly and progressively to
the specified torque setting.
22 On XU series engines, tighten the bearing
cap retaining nuts evenly and progressively to
the stage 1 torque setting. Fully slacken both
nuts, then tighten them to the stage 2 torque
setting. Once both nuts have been tightened
to the stage 2 setting, angle-tighten them
through the specified stage 3 angle, using a
socket and extension bar. It is recommended
that an angle-measuring gauge is used during
this stage of the tightening, to ensure
accuracy (see illustrations). If a gauge is not
available, use a dab of white paint to make
alignment marks between the nut and bearing
cap prior to tightening; the marks can then be
used to check that the nut has been rotated
sufficiently during tightening.
23 On all engines, once the bearing cap
retaining nuts have been correctly tightened,
rotate the crankshaft. Check that it turns
freely; some stiffness is to be expected if new
components have been fitted, but there
should be no signs of binding or tight spots.
24 Refit the remaining three piston/
connecting rod assemblies in the same way.
25 Refit the cylinder head and oil pump as
described in Part A or B of this Chapter (as
applicable).
20 Engine -
initial start-up after overhaul
1 With the engine refitted in the vehicle,
double-check the engine oil and coolant
levels. Make a final check that everything has
been reconnected, and that there are no tools
or rags left in the engine compartment.
2 Remove the spark plugs. On models with a
distributor, disable the ignition system by
2C•22 Engine removal and overhaul
19.19 Tap the piston into the bore using a
hammer handle
19.22b . . . then through the angle
specified for stage 3
19.22a On XU series engines, tighten the
big-end bearing cap nuts to the stage 1
specified torque, then fully slacken them
and tighten them to the stage 2 torque . . .