Grand Caravan FWD V6-229 3.8L VIN L MFI (1997)
2. Install crankshaft.
3. Cut plastigage to same length as width of the bearing and place it in parallel with the journal axis.
4. Install the main bearing cap carefully and tighten the bolts to specified torque.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the plastigage will be smeared.
5. Carefully remove the bearing cap and measure the width of the plastigage at the widest part using the scale on the plastigage package. Refer to
specification for proper clearances. If the clearance exceeds the, specified limits. Replace the main bearing(s) and if necessary have the crankshaft
machined to next undersize.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the Plastigage may be smeared.
Main Journal Inspection
MAIN BEARINGS
Bearing caps are not interchangeable and should be marked at removal to insure correct assembly. Upper and lower bearing halves are NOT
interchangeable. Lower main bearing halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable. Upper main bearing halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN JOURNALS
The crankshaft journals should be checked for excessive wear, taper and scoring. Limits of taper or out-of-round on any crankshaft journals should
be held to 0.025 mm (0.001 inch). Journal grinding should not exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 inch) under the standard journal diameter. Do NOT grind
thrust faces of Number 2 main bearing. Do NOT nick crank pin or bearing fillets. After grinding, remove rough edges from crankshaft oil holes
and clean out all passages.
CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts used is important that the final paper or cloth polish after any journal regrind be in the same
direction as normal rotation in the engine.
