Chrysler — Checking Main Bearing Clearance

Testing & diagnosis · main bearings

From a Chrysler service manual covering: IND. 5, IND. 6, IND. 7, IND. 8. Check it applies to your exact model before use.

Procedure

1. With all bearing shells in place and bolted tight, crankshaft must turn by hand one complete revolution.
2. Remove one bearing cap at a time.
3. Oil a piece of .002 inch feeler stock 1 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch long.
4. Place feeler stock between bearing shell and crankshaft journal.
5. Draw cap nuts up tight and turn crankshaft; a drag means clearance is less than .0015 inch.

Source: Chrysler service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.

More Chrysler repair guides →