The crankshaft can only be removed if the engine has been pulled out of the vehicle; again, providing that the driveplate, crankshaft pulley, timing chain, oil pan, oil pump, oil filter, and
Piston/connecting rod assemblies have been removed. Before removal crank shaft endplay can be measured with a dial indicator pointing with the crankshaft on the plane of the crankshaft pulley. Place the face of a dial indicator against the crank, pry the crankshaft to the rear until zero is shown on the dial indicator and then pry the crankshaft to the front and read the number which should normally stand between 0.003 to 0.010 inch. Grooving is often caused by two faces not parallel to within .002 of each other and or the surfaces of the thrust washer/by bearing assembly face are worn. In case of absence of dial indicator, the amount of clearance can be measured with the help of feeler gauges. Turn the main bearing cap/bedplate bolts at least a few turns so that they can be removed by hand; then injecting some soft face hammer lightly on the main bearing cap/bedplate and lifting it from the cylinder block must be done carefully not to Damage the bearing inserts. Convey the crankshaft out of the engine, and it is advisable to do it with assistance because of the weight. Some of the critical pieces of advice that the manufacturer gives include the following Replace the main bearing cap assembly back on the engine block and put it in its proper place. For installation, it is imperative to make sure that the engine block and the crankshaft must be clean ad checked. Place the block with the bottom turned up, unscrew the main bearing cap assembly and clean the bearing faces. New upper main bearing inserts should be fitted and aligned with the oil holes; the lower ones are also put in the main bearing cap. Inspect the main bearing oil clearance with Plastigage and see to it that it conforms to the standard measurement. If the clearance is incorrect ensure there was no debris when taking the figures and if the band is very worn the bearing inserts may have to be replaced. Before finally laying the crankshaft back in position, it is important to remove all the Plastigage deposits and apply a coat of light grade of grease or engine assembly lube to the bearing surfaces as well as the thrust faces. In case of the thrust washers, they need to be fitted properly and to the bedplate sealing area one needs to apply the RTV sealant after the main bearing cap or in case of a bedplate, one needs to fit on the crankshaft and over the cylinder block. Torque the bolts in the sequence in their corresponding tightening values then recheck crankshaft end play. Swipe the crankshaft around for a little while to feel if they protest in an attempt to turn, if yes reject them. Last but not the least, fit in the new rear main oil seal.