Series 50 – Section 1.9 Crankshaft Main Bearings

Section 1.9
Crankshaft Main Bearings

The crankshaft main bearing shells are precision made and are replaceable without machining. They consist of an upper bearing shell seated in each cylinder block main bearing support and a lower bearing shell seated in each main bearing cap. See Figure "Main Bearings Caps, Bearing Shells and Crankshaft Thrust Washers" . ‪

1. Upper Bearing Shell‪	6. Flat Washer‪
2. Crankshaft‪	7. Bolt‪
3. Key‪	8. No. 4 Lower Bearing Shell‪
4. Lower Bearing Shell‪	9. Upper Thrust Washer‪
5. No. 1 Main Bearing Cap‪	10. No. 4 Upper Bearing Shell‪

Figure 1. Main Bearings Caps, Bearing Shells and Crankshaft Thrust Washers

The upper and lower bearing shells are located in the respective block and bearing cap by a tang. The tang is located at the parting line at one end of each bearing shell. The tangs are offset from center to aid correct insertion. Bearing shell sets are supplied as a matched assembly and should not be mixed.‪

A hole in each upper bearing shell registers with a vertical oil passage in the cylinder block. Lubricating oil, under pressure, passes from the cylinder block oil gallery by way of the bearing shells to the drilled passage in the crankshaft, then to the connecting rods and connecting rod bearings. The upper bearing shell is also grooved. ‪

The lower main bearing shells have no oil holes or grooves. Therefore, the upper and lower main bearing shells must not be interchanged.‪

Thrust washers on each side of the No. 4 main bearing absorb the crankshaft thrust. The two-piece washers utilize locking tangs that register with locating notches in the bearing shell. See Figure "No. 4 Thrust Bearing Detail" .‪

1. Upper Thrust Washer‪	4. No. 4 Main Cap‪
2. Upper No. 4 Bearing Shell‪	5. Bolt‪
3. Lower No. 4 Bearing Shell‪	‪

Figure 2. No. 4 Thrust Bearing Detail

The condition of the lower bearing shells may be observed by removing the main bearing caps.‪

Section 1.9.1
Repair or Replacement of Crankshaft Main Bearings

To determine if repair is possible or replacement is necessary perform the following procedure. See Figure "Flowchart for Repair or Replacement of Crankshaft Main Bearings" .‪

Figure 3. Flowchart for Repair or Replacement of Crankshaft Main Bearings

Section 1.9.2
Removal of Main Bearing Shell

The main bearing caps are numbered consecutively, indicating their respective positions. When removed, the bearing caps (and the bearing shells, if they are to be reinstalled) must always be reinstalled in their original position.‪

1. Drain and remove the oil pan to expose the main bearing caps. Refer to "3.9.2 Cleaning and Removal of Oil Pan" .

   Note: If shims are used between the oil pump and the cylinder block, save the shims so that they can be reinstalled in exactly the same location as removed. The shims are used to adjust the crankshaft timing gear-to-oil pump drive gear lash.

2. Remove the oil pump pickup and outlet pipes, and the oil pump. Refer to "3.2.2 Cleaning and Removal of Oil Pump" .
3. Remove one bearing cap at a time and inspect the lower bearing shell. Refer to "1.9.2.1 Inspection of Crankshaft Main Bearings" .

   Note: Remove and reinstall both upper and lower bearing shells for each main journal being inspected before moving on to the next main journal. Never remove more than one main bearing cap at a time except for No. 4 and No. 5.

4. To remove the upper main bearing shells without crankshaft removal, it will be necessary to use the main bearing shell remover and installer tool set, J 36187-A . See Figure "Main Bearing Shell Remover and Installer Tool Set" .
   

   Figure 4. Main Bearing Shell Remover and Installer Tool Set

5. To bar the engine over, use the square hole in the middle of the crankshaft pulley, to position the crankshaft throw. Position the crankcase throw for the main bearing being worked on so that the oil delivery hole is pointing upward. See Figure "Upper Main Bearing Shell Removal and Roll Pin Installation" .
   

   Figure 5. Upper Main Bearing Shell Removal and Roll Pin Installation

6. Install the roll pin to the oil delivery hole in the crankshaft journal. See Figure "Upper Main Bearing Shell Removal and Roll Pin Installation" . If this operation is being performed in-frame, use petroleum jelly to retain the roll pin in the hole.
7. For the No. 4 main bearing journal, it will be necessary to install the lower main bearing thrust washers (previously removed) to the machined faces of the body from the tool kit. Stick the thrust washers to the main cap using petroleum jelly. Index the locating tangs on the thrust washers with the cut-outs on the bearing shell. See Figure "Upper Main Bearing Shell Removal-Tool Set-up" .
   

   Figure 6. Upper Main Bearing Shell Removal-Tool Set-up

8. Using the main bearing cap bolts and washer removed from the engine, install the assembled main bearing cap remover and installer tool to the main bearing saddle being worked on. The word "Front" stamped on the tool must face the front of the engine. Be sure that the roll pin in the oil delivery hole registers with the cut-out section of the bearing shell tool before tightening the main bearing cap bolts. See Figure "Upper Main Bearing Shell Remover Tool Installation" .
   

   Figure 7. Upper Main Bearing Shell Remover Tool Installation

   Note: Only the No. 4 main bearing shell requires use of the thrust washers on the sides of the remover tool. For main bearings No. 1, 2, 3, and 5, it will not be necessary to install the thrust washers to the tool.

9. Torque the main bearing cap bolts until they are snug 13-27 N·m (10-20 lb·ft).
10. Using the square hole in the middle of the crankshaft pulley, bar the engine over in a clockwise direction when viewed from the front, approximately 180° until the tang of the upper main bearing contacts the block. This will roll the bearing shell tool (and the thrust washers for No. 4 main bearing) into the upper main bearing saddle.

    Note: Keep all bearing shells and thrust washers segregated by number, so that they may be reinstalled exactly as removed if the bearing shells are reused. Shells and washers may be marked with a permanent marker or equivalent. Do not punch mark or otherwise disturb the surface of the shells and washers to mark them.

11. Remove the main bearing cap tool from the saddle.
12. Remove the upper shell (and two thrust washers when working on No. 4 main) from the tool.
13. Inspect the bearing shells (and thrust washers for No. 4 main). Refer to "1.9.2.1 Inspection of Crankshaft Main Bearings" .
14. Install the upper main bearing to be used, in the main bearing installer and remover with the word "Front" facing the front of the engine. If the No. 4 main bearing is being done, install the thrust washers to the bearing. Refer to step 8 and refer to step 9 in this procedure.
15. Position the remover and installer with the bearings in the saddle being worked on and install the main bearing cap bolts and washers. Torque the bolts until they are snug 13-27 N·m (10-20 lb·ft).
16. Using the square hole in the crankshaft pulley, bar the engine over slowly, in a counterclockwise direction, approximately 180°, until the bearing split line is even with the cap and block joint face. Care must be taken not to bar the engine over too far and damage the bearing tang.
17. Remove the bearing remover and installer assembly, J 36187-A .
18. Install the lower main bearing shell to be used, into the engine main bearing cap.
19. Coat the threads and underside of the heads of the main bearing cap bolts with International Compound #2®. Position the main bearing cap, with bearing(s) in place into the saddle and install the bolts and washers. Rap the main bearing caps sharply with a fiber mallet or plastic hammer to insure the caps are fully seated. Torque the bolts to 470-530 N·m (347-391 lb·ft).
20. It will be necessary to reinstall the upper and lower main bearing shells (and the upper thrust washers for the No. 4 main) and the main bearing cap, for the bearings being inspected or replaced before proceeding to the next main bearing saddle. Refer to "1.9.3 Installation of Main Bearings Shells (Crankshaft Removed)" .
21. Repeat this procedure for each main bearing saddle until all seven sets of main bearings have been removed and inspected or replaced.

    Note: No. 5 main bearing journal does not have an oil hole, so the bearing remover cannot be used at that position. The No. 5 upper main bearing should be removed with both No. 4 and No. 5 main bearing caps off. Using a suitable tool, push on the No. 5 upper bearing on the side opposite the tang and dislodge the bearing tang from the tang slot in the cylinder block. Carefully push/pull the bearing the rest of the way out, taking care not to damage the bearing shell. Rotate the crankshaft, and apply some pressure to the side of the bearing while rotating.

22. After removal, clean the bearings.

Section 1.9.2.1
Inspection of Crankshaft Main Bearings

Bearing failures may result from deterioration (acid formation) or contamination of the oil or loss of oil. An analysis of the lubricating oil may be required to determine if corrosive acid and sulphur are present, which cause acid etching, flaking and pitting. Bearing seizure may be due to low oil or no oil.‪

Inspect the bearings for scoring, pitting, flaking, etching; or signs of overheating. The bearing overlay may develop minute cracks or small isolated cavities (checking) on the bearing surface during normal engine operation. These are characteristics of and are not detrimental to this type of bearing. They should not be replaced for these minor surface imperfections, since function of the bearings is in no way impaired and they will give many additional hours of trouble-free operation.‪

Inspect the backs of the bearing shells for bright spots, which indicate they have been moving in the bearing caps. If such spots are present, discard the bearing shells, and inspect the bearing caps and upper bearing saddles.‪

Measure the thickness of the bearing shells at a point 90° from the parting line. See Figure "Main Bearing Measurements" . ‪

Figure 8. Main Bearing Measurements

A tool placed between the bearing shell and a micrometer, will give an accurate measurement. The bearing shell thickness will be the total thickness of the steel ball in the tool and the bearing shell, less the diameter of the ball. This is the only practical method for measuring the bearing thickness, unless a special micrometer is available for this purpose. The minimum thickness of a worn standard main bearing shell is 3.937 mm (0.155 in.). If any of the bearing shells are thinner than this dimension, replace all of the bearing shells. A new standard bearing shell has a thickness of 3.962-3.980 mm (0.1560-0.1567 in.). If any bearing shell shows wear through the overlay across the width of the shell, all bearing shells must be replaced.‪

In addition to the thickness measurement, check the clearance between the main bearings and the crankshaft journals. This clearance may be determined with the crankshaft in place by means of a soft plastic measuring strip that is squeezed between the journal and the bearing as described in "Checking Bearing Clearance". Refer to "Additional Information" . With the crankshaft removed, measure the outside diameter of the crankshaft main bearing journals and the inside diameter of the main bearing shells when installed in place with the proper torque 470-530 N·m (347-391 lb·ft) torque on the bearing cap bolts. When installed, the bearing shells are 0.0254 mm (0.001 in.) larger in diameter at the parting line than 90° from the parting line.‪

The bearing shells do not form a true circle out of the engine. When installed, the bearing shells have a squeeze fit in the main bearing bore and must be tight when the bearing cap is drawn down. This crush assures a tight, uniform contact between the bearing shell and bearing seat. Bearing shells that do not have sufficient crush will not have uniform contact, as shown by shiny spots on the back, and must be replaced. If the clearance between any crankshaft journal and its bearing shells exceeds 0.152 mm (0.006 in.), all of the bearing shells must be discarded and replaced. This clearance is 0.040-0.126 mm (0.0016-0.005 in.) with new parts.‪

If installing new replacement bearings, it is very important to thoroughly inspect the crankshaft journals. Also, damaged bearings may cause bending fatigue and resultant cracks in the crankshaft. Refer to "1.7.2.11 Crankshaft Cracks" .‪

Do not replace one main bearing shell alone. If one bearing shell requires replacement, install all new upper and lower shells. Anytime a new or reground crankshaft is used, all new bearing shells must be used. ‪

Note: Bearing shells are NOT reworkable from one undersize to another undersize under any circumstances.

Bearing shells are available in 0.250, 0.500 and 0.750 mm (approximately 0.010, 0.020 and 0.030 in.) undersize for service with reground crankshafts as listed in Table "Crankshaft Journal Specifications" to determine what size bearings are required. Be sure the correct bearing to journal clearance is maintained when using these parts.‪

Inspect the crankshaft thrust washers. If the washers are discolored or worn excessively, or if the crankshaft end play is excessive, replace the thrust washers. Inspect the crankshaft thrust surfaces. Refer to "1.7 Crankshaft" . If, after dressing or regrinding the thrust surfaces, new standard size thrust washers do not hold the crankshaft end play within the specified limits, it may be necessary to install oversize thrust washers on one or both sides of the No. 4 main bearing. A new standard size thrust washer is 3.56-3.48 mm (0.140-0.137 in.) thick. Thrust washers are available in 0.125 and 0.250 mm (0.005 and 0.010 in.) oversize.‪

Section 1.9.3
Installation of Main Bearings Shells (Crankshaft Removed)

Install the main bearing shells as follows:‪

1. Check that all of the parts are clean and dry.
2. Apply clean engine oil 360° around each crankshaft main journal and install the upper main bearing shells to their respective saddles in the cylinder block. Note the locating tangs and be sure the oil holes register with the galleries in the cylinder block.
3. Be sure to install the drilled bearing shells in the cylinder block and the plain bearing shells in the bearing caps. The upper and lower main bearing shells are not alike; the upper shell is drilled for lubrication, the lower bearing shell is not. If they are not installed correctly, the oil flow to the bearings and to the upper end of the connecting rods will be blocked off. Used bearing shells must be reinstalled on the same journal from which they were removed.
4. Perform all of the steps under "Installation of Crankshaft." Refer to "1.7.3 Installation of Crankshaft" . Be sure to check the main bearing clearances with plastic gaging strips. Refer to "Additional Information" .
5. Be sure to check the crankshaft end play. The minimum and maximum values are listed in Table "Crankshaft" .
6. Torque all of the main bearing cap bolts to 470-530 N·m (347-391 lb·ft).
7. Measure the main bearing bores with dial bore gage, J 5347-B . Refer to "Additional Information" for reuse and replacement guidelines. The minimum and maximum values are listed in Table "Main Bearing" .