Civic L4-1.3L Hybrid (2008)
Connecting Rod Bearing: Service and Repair
Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement
Rod Bearing Clearance Inspection
1. To check rod bearing-to-journal oil clearance, remove the bearing cap.
2. Remove the connecting rod cap and the bearing half.
3. Clean the crankshaft rod journal and the bearing half with a clean shop towel.
4. Place Plastigage across the rod journal.
5. Reinstall the bearing half and cap, and torque the bolts.
NOTE: Apply new engine oil to the bolt threads and flanges. Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspection.
Tightening Torque: 9.8 Nm (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 ft. lbs.) + 90°
6. Remove the rod cap and the bearing half and measure the widest part of the Plastigage.
7. If the Plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the upper half of the bearing, install a new, complete bearing with the same color code,
and recheck the clearance. Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the caps to adjust clearance.
8. 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
clearance again. If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start
over.
Rod Bearing Selection
1. Inspect the connecting rod for cracks and heat damage.
Connecting Rod Big End Bore Code Locations
2. Each rod falls into one of four tolerance ranges (from 0 to 0.024 mm (0.0009 inch), in 0.006 mm (0.0002 inch) increments) depending on the size
of its big end bore. It's then stamped with a number or bar (1, 2, 3, or 4) indicating the range. You may find any combination of 1, 2, 3, or 4 in any
engine. If the codes are indecipherable because of an accumulation of dirt and dust, do not scrub them with a wire brush or scraper. Clean them
only with solvent or detergent.
