Mustang Cobra V8-281 4.6L DOHC VIN V MFI (1997)
CAUTION: To maintain proper main bearing bore alignment, all main bearing caps must be loosened and tightened as a unit. DO NOT loosen,
remove, install and tighten one cap at a time.
1. Clean crankshaft journals. Inspect journals and thrust faces for nicks, burrs or roughness that would cause premature bearing wear.
2. If crankshaft main journals are not excessively damaged or worn, use select-fit codes on block and crankshaft in conjunction with the select-fit
grade chart to determine appropriate replacement grade for the main bearings.
a. Read the first character (from left to right) on the cylinder block and make a note of it. The character will be a letter between A and X. The
character string is located on the front face of the cylinder block.
b. Read the first character on the edge of the No. 7 counterweight on the crankshaft and make a note of it. The character will be a letter between
A and X.
c. Using the Select Fit Main Bearing Grade Chart and the two characters (A-X) noted above, move across and down the appropriate row and
column to select the bearing grade for the No.1 main journal.
e. Repeat Steps 1, 2 and 3 for the other four main journals. (The second letter in the character string is for main journal No. 2, the third for main
journal No. 3 and so forth.)
3. If crankshaft journals are worn or damaged, regrind crankshaft and use 0.250 mm (0.010 inch) undersize bearing.
4. After bearing has been fitted and cleaned, apply a light coat of clean engine oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-F to journals and
bearings. Install bearing cap and tighten retainer bolts to specifications.
5. Repeat procedure for remaining bearings that require replacement.
