Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

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

Notice: 

The fastening bolts may be used once again to check the con-rod bearing play.  

  Remove, Disconnect   

Mark installation position (1) of con-rod bearing cap - remove con-rod bearing cap from con-rod.     Install, Connect    Lay out Plastigage (mouldable plastic thread) over the entire width of the con-rod journal. The con-rod journal must have any grease removed and the con-rod bearing shell must be lightly coated with engine oil so that the thread does not tear when being removed by the bearing cover. Do not turn crankshaft.   Plastigage is available from the "Opel/Vauxhall Service Equipment" catalogue.   Attach con-rod bearing cover to con-rod - tightening torque 35 Nm / 26 lbf. ft. + 45 ° + 15 ° .

  Remove, Disconnect   

Remove con-rod bearing cover again from con-rod.     Measure    Compare width of the flattened plastic thread (arrow) with the measuring scale (on Plastigage packaging). Permissible con-rod bearing play - see "Technical Data".     Important!    When reading the value, do not confuse millimetres and inches on the measuring scale.     Clean    Clean con-rod journal and con-rod bearing shell and lightly coat with engine oil.     Install, Connect    Attach con-rod bearing cap with new fastening bolts to con-rod - note installation position of con-rod bearing cap - tightening torque 35 Nm / 26 lbf. ft. + 45 ° + 15 ° .