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.
Engine Block: Crankshaft: Installation
- If required, select and fit new crankshaft main bearings to the engine block. Refer to: MAIN BEARING FITTING .
- If required, select and fit new bearings to the connecting rod. Refer to BEARING(S), CONNECTING ROD, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- If removed, install the target wheel (1) to the crankshaft with four NEW
bolts (2). Be certain that the threaded holes in the crankshaft are free of residual thread lock adhesive. Tighten the bolts to the proper specification. Refer to: TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown.
- If removed, lubricate and install the upper main bearing halves (6) into the engine block (7).CAUTION:
When installing the crankshaft, use care not to damage bearing surfaces on the crankshaft.
- Install the crankshaft (4) into the engine block (7).NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown.
- Install the thrust washers (1) at the No. 2 main bearing location, using the following procedure:
- Move the crankshaft forward to the limit of travel. Lubricate and install the front thrust washer (1) by rolling the washer onto the machined shelf between the No. 2 upper main bulk head and crankshaft thrust surface.
- Move the crankshaft rearward to the limit of travel. Lubricate and install the rear thrust washer by rolling the washer onto the machined shelf between the No. 2 upper main bulk head and crankshaft thrust surface.
CAUTION:The main bearing cap bolts are tightened using a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts must be replaced.
- Check the main bearing cap bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all of the threads do not contact the scale (2), the bolt must be replaced.NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown.
- If removed, lubricate and install the lower main bearing halves (3) onto the main caps (1).
- Install the main bearing caps (1) with two inner main bearing cap bolts (2).
- Tighten the inner main bearing cap bolts in the sequence shown in the illustration to 20N-m + 90° (15ft. lbs. + 90°).
- Measure crankshaft end play. Refer to CRANKSHAFT, STANDARD PROCEDURE .NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown.
- If removed, install the bearing shell (8) on the connecting rod with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the rod. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.CAUTION:
Care must be taken not to nick crankshaft journals, as engine damage may occur.
- Remove the plastic guide plates (3) from the special tool # 8189, (Guide Pins) (7) and install the Guide Pins to the connecting rod.CAUTION:
Avoid contact with the piston oil cooler jet(s). Positioning of the oil cooler jet(s) is critical for proper engine operation.
- Pull the connecting rod and piston toward the crankshaft until the connecting rod is seated on the crankshaft journal. Remove the guide pins.CAUTION:
The connecting rod bolts must not be reused. Always replace the connecting rod bolts whenever they are loosened or removed.
- If removed, install the bearing shell (6) on the connecting rod cap (4) with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the cap. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.NOTE:
Do not lubricate the threads of the connecting rod cap bolts (5).
- Install the connecting rod cap and bearing with the tang on the same side as the rod. Tighten the NEW connecting rod cap bolts (5) to the proper specification. Refer to: TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- If required, check the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to: CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE .
- Repeat the previous steps for the remaining connecting rods.
- Install the windage tray (1) with eight outer main bearing cap bolts. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in the illustration to 21N-m + 90° (15ft. lbs. + 90°).NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown.
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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.