Accord SE Coupe L4-2156cc 2.2L SOHC MFI (1997)
Crankshaft Main Bearing: Testing and Inspection
CLEARANCE
1. To check main bearing-to-journal oil clearance, remove the main caps and bearing halves.
2. Clean each main journal and bearing half with a clean shop towel.
3. Place one strip of plastigage across each main journal.
NOTE: If the engine is still in the car when you bolt the main cap down to check clearance, the weight of the crankshaft and flywheel will flatten
the plastigage further than just the torque on the cap bolt and give you an incorrect reading. For an accurate reading, support the crank with a jack
under the counterweights, and check only one bearing at a time.
4. Reinstall the bearings and caps, then torque the bolts to 74 Nm (54 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspection.
5. Remove the cap and bearings again, and measure the widest part of the plastigage.
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Main Bearing-to-Journal Oil Clearance:
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No. 2
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Standard (New): 0.021-0.045 mm (0.0008-0.0018 inch)
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Service Limit: 0.050 mm (0.0020 inch)
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No.3
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Standard (New): 0.025-0.049 mm (0.0010-0.0019 inch)
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Service Limit: 0.055 mm (0.0022 inch)
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No.1 and 4
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Standard (New): 0.013-0.037 mm (0.0005-0.0015 inch)
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Service Limit: 0.050 mm (0.0020 inch)
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No.5
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Standard (New): 0.009-0.033 mm (0.0004-0.0013 inch)
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Service Limit: 0.040 mm (0.0016 inch)
6. If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, (remove the engine if it's still in the car), remove the crankshaft, and remove the upper half of
the bearing. Install a new, complete bearing with the same color code (select the color as shown), and recheck the clearance.
CAUTION: Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the caps to adjust clearance.
7. 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
again.
NOTE: If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start over.
