John Deere — Install Main Bearings and Crankshaft

Repair & overhaul · Crankshaft and main bearings

From a John Deere service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.

Browse John Deere generators & specs →

Procedure

1. Apply liberal coating of clean engine oil to main bearing webs, both sides of main bearing inserts and thrust bearing inserts, and entire OD of crankshaft main bearing journals.
2. Install six main bearing inserts in block except No. 5 thrust bearing insert.
3. Install No. 5 main thrust bearing insert in block and upper thrust washer on bearing insert at rear of block web.
4. Check oil holes in main bearing web align with oil holes in bearing inserts.
5. Carefully position crankshaft onto main bearing inserts using hoist and lift sling.
6. Dip entire main bearing cap screws in clean engine oil and position in main bearing caps.
7. Install each bearing cap, bearings, and cap screws with recesses and tabs aligned.
8. Align upper and lower thrust flanges on main thrust bearings by tapping crankshaft rearward and forward.
9. Tighten Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 main bearing cap screws to initial torque 68 N·m (50 lb-ft).
10. Hand-tighten No. 5 main thrust bearing cap screws.
11. Gently pry crankshaft rearward then forward to align thrust washers on No. 5 main thrust bearing. Tighten No. 5 cap screws to 68 N·m (50 lb-ft).
12. Tighten all main bearing cap screws including No. 5 to final torque 230 N·m (170 lb-ft).
13. Turn crankshaft by hand; if it does not turn easily, disassemble and determine cause.

Source: John Deere 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 John Deere repair guides →