PLASTIGAUGE Method

Plastigauge may be used to measure the clearance.

1. Remove oil and grease and any other dirt from the bearings and journals.
2. Cut the plastigauge to the same length as the width of the bearing and place it in parallel with the journal, avoiding the oil holes.
Fig 1: Measuring Clearance With Plastigauge Method
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
3. Install the crankshaft, bearings and caps and tighten them to the specified torques. During this operation, do not turn the crankshaft. Remove the caps. Measure the width of the widest part by using the scale printed on the gauge package.

   If the clearance exceeds the repair limit, the bearing should be replaced or an undersize bearing should be used.

   When installing a new crankshaft, be sure to use standard size bearings.

   Should the standard clearance not be obtained even after bearing replacement, the journal and pin should be ground to undersize and a bearing of the corresponding undersize should be installed.