Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC VIN 1 EFI (1997)
Connecting Rod Bearing: Service and Repair
NOTE: The connecting rod bearings can be serviced without removing the pistons from the engine.
REMOVAL
1. Remove the oil pan.
2. Remove the oil pump screen cover and tube bolts, the oil pump screen cover and tube, and the oil pump inlet tube gasket. Discard the oil pump
inlet tube gasket oil pump inlet tube gasket.
3. Turn the crankshaft until the piston and connecting rod assembly from which the connecting rod bearings are to be removed is at Bottom Dead
Center (BDC).
4. Remove the connecting rod nuts.
NOTE: The connecting rod caps and connecting rods are marked with numbers designating to which connecting rod each connecting rod cap
belongs. These numbers also correspond with piston-to-cylinder location.
5. Remove the connecting rod cap and the lower half of the connecting rod bearing.
6. Remove the upper half of the connecting rod bearing from between the connecting rod and the crankshaft.
NOTE: Push the piston up into the cylinder bore slightly to provide clearance for removal of the upper half of the connecting rod bearing.
INSTALLATION
1. Thoroughly clean the connecting rod bearings, connecting rod cap, and connecting rod.
2. Clean the crankshaft journal and lubricate with clean, heavy engine oil.
3. Install the new upper half of the connecting rod bearing between the connecting rod and the crankshaft.
4. Install the new lower half of the connecting rod bearing onto the connecting rod cap.
5. Install the connecting rod cap.
NOTE: Measure the connecting rod bearing oil clearance.
6. Tighten the connecting rod nuts as follows:
a. Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 14-16 Nm (10-12 ft. lbs.).
b. Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 38-44 Nm (28-33 ft. lbs.).
7. Install a new oil pump inlet tube gasket on the oil pump screen cover and tube.
8. Install the oil pump screen cover and tube on the oil pump. Tighten the oil pump screen cover end tube bolt to 16-21 Nm (12-15 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the oil pan.