Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 49 (3.2L V6 ENGINE)OVERHAULROD BEARING CLEARANCE INSPECTIONNOTES

2004 Acura 3.5RL

Rod Bearing Clearance Inspection: Notes

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002 Acura 3.2CL, and 2001 Acura 3.2CL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the connecting rod cap and bearing half.
Clean the crankshaft rod journal and bearing half with a clean shop towel.
Place a strip of plastigage across the rod journal.
Reinstall the bearing half and cap, and torque the bolts. See step 16 under CRANKSHAFT & PISTON. DO NOT rotate the crankshaft.
Remove the rod cap and bearing half and measure the widest part of the plastigage. See Fig 1.
If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the upper half of the bearing, install a new, complete bearing with the same color code, and recheck the clearance. Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the caps to adjust clearance.
If the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect, try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color listed above or below that one), and check clearance again. If proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start over.

Fig 1: Removing Rod Cap & Bearing Half Measuring Widest Part Of Plastigage

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.