Grand Caravan V6-3.8L (2009)
Crankshaft Main Bearing: Procedures
MAIN BEARING FITTING
Bearing caps are not interchangeable and should be marked at removal to insure correct assembly. Upper and lower bearing halves are NOT
interchangeable. Lower main bearing halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable. Upper main bearing halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable.
Upper and lower main bearing, position 2 bearing halves are flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are NOT interchangeable with any other
bearing halves in the engine. All bearing cap bolts removed during service procedures are to be cleaned and lubricated with engine oil before
installation. Bearing shells are available in standard and the following undersizes: 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.254 mm (0.010 in). Never install an
undersize bearing that will reduce clearance below specifications.
CRANKSHAFT BEARING OIL CLEARANCE
Inspect the crankshaft bearing journals.
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be determined by use of Plastigage (1) or the equivalent. The following is the recommended procedures for the
use of Plastigage with the engine in the vehicle or engine on a repair stand.
PLASTIGAGE METHOD-ENGINE IN-VEHICLE
NOTE: The total clearance of the main bearings can only be determined with the engine in the vehicle by removing the weight of the
crankshaft. This can be accomplished by either of two following methods:
