TL V6-3206cc 3.2L SOHC MFI (1998)
Crankshaft: Testing and Inspection
Main Bearing 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 bolts, and give you an incorrect reading. For an accurate reading, support the crankshaft with
a jack under the counterweights and check only one bearing at a time.
4. Reinstall the bearings and caps, then torque the 9 mm cap bolts to 39 Nm (29 ft. lbs.) Torque the 11 mm cap bolts to 76 Nm (57 ft. lbs.).
5. Torque the side bolts to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
6. Remove the caps and bearings, and measure the widest part of the plastigage.
Main Bearing to Journal Oil Clearance:
Standard (New): 0.020 - 0.044 mm (0.0008 - 0.0017 inch)
Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 inch)
7. If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, 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 in the right column of this page), and recheck the clearance.
CAUTION: 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
again.
NOTE: If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start over.
SELECTION
CAUTION: 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.
CRANKSHAFT BORE CODE LOCATIONS
