Checking the clearance in the crankshaft main bearings (Opel Insignia A)

Method using calibrated Plastigage wire

Caution: Do not rotate the crankshaft during the inspection.

1. Place a piece of calibrated Plastigage along the crankshaft main journal.

Note: Observe the tightening torque of the bolts.

It is permissible to use old bolts to check the clearance in the main bearings.

2. Install the crankshaft main bearing cap and tighten the mounting bolts in three stages:

• Tighten to 50 Nm.
• Using the EN-45059 tool, tighten to an angle of 45°.
• Using the EN-45059 tool, tighten to an angle of 15°.

3. Loosen the main bearing cap bolts.

Note: When determining the gap on the scale, do not confuse the metric and English scales.

(Source is on this resource: «opelbook.ru»)

4. Measure the clearance in the crankshaft main bearing by comparing the width of the flattest part of the calibrated wire (arrow) with the measuring scale on the wire packaging.

Note: Observe the tightening torque of the bolts. It is permissible to use old bolts to check the clearance in the main bearings.

1. Install the crankshaft main bearing cap onto the cylinder block.

2. Tighten the cover mounting bolts in three steps:

• Tighten to 50 Nm.
• Using the EN-45059 tool, tighten to an angle of 45°.
• Using the EN-45059 tool, tighten to an angle of 15°.

3. Calibrate the bore gauge (1) using a micrometer.



4. Using a bore gauge, measure the internal diameter of the main journal in three planes (A, B and C). Calculate the average value of the internal diameter: (A + B + C) / 3.



5. Using a micrometer, measure the outer diameter of the crankshaft main journal in two planes (I and II).



6. Calculate the average value of the outside diameter of the main journal: (I + II) / 2.

7. Calculate the value of the clearance in the main bearing by subtracting the value of the main journal outer diameter from the value of the main bearing inner diameter.