Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Con-rod Bearing Play, Check (Determine Bearing Play with Plastigage)  

  Remove, Disconnect   

Remove big-end bearing cover from con-rod. Note installation position of the big-end bearing cover - bead (1) on the big-end bearing cover points towards the gearbox end.     Measure    Use Plastigage (Plastigage is available via the "Opel/Vauxhall Workshop Equipment" catalogue).   Plastigage is available for various tolerances.     Important!    To prevent the thread from tearing when removing the con-rod bearing cap, remove grease from the con-rod journal and lightly oil con-rod bearing shell.   Do not turn crankshaft!

  Measure   

Cut Plastigage to width of bearing and lay axially between con-rod journal and bearing shell (arrow).     Torque - Angle Method    Con-rod bearing cap to con-rod - note installation position.   1.4 / 1.6 Ltr. engines except 16 LZ2:   25 Nm/18 lbf. ft + 30 °   1.8 / 2.0 Ltr. engines and 16 LZ2:   35 Nm/37 lbf. ft. + 45 ° + 15 °     The bolts can be reused for checking the con-rod bearing clearance.     Measure    Permissible con-rod clearance:   1.4 / 1.6 Ltr. engines except 16 LZ2:   0.019 to 0.071 mm   1.8 / 2.0 Ltr. engines and 16 LZ2:   0.006 to 0.031 mm

  Install, Connect   

Clean con-rod journal and con-rod bearing shell and coat with oil.  

Install big-end bearing cover on connecting rod. Note installation position - bead (1) on the big-end bearing cover points towards the gearbox end.     Torque - Angle Method    Con-rod bearing cap with new bolt to con-rod:   1.4 / 1.6 Ltr. engines except 16 LZ2:   25 Nm/18 lbf. ft + 30 °   1.8 / 2.0 Ltr. engines and 16 LZ2:   35 Nm/37 lbf. ft. + 45 ° + 15 °