The crankshaft can only be removed after the engine has been taken out of the vehicle, assuming that components such as the driveplate, crankshaft pulley, timing belt, oil pan, oil pump body, oil filter, and piston/connecting rod assemblies have been detached. Before removal, measure the crankshaft endplay using a dial indicator aligned with the crankshaft. Pry the crankshaft to the rear, zero the indicator, then pry it to the front to check the reading, which should typically be between 0.003 to 0.010 inch (0.076 to 0.254 mm). If a dial indicator is unavailable, feeler gauges can be used to determine clearance. Loosen the side bearing cap bolts and main cap bolts gradually, then gently tap the main bearing caps with a soft-face hammer and lift them off. Carefully lift the crankshaft out, ideally with assistance, and reinstall the main bearing caps with the bearing inserts in place, ensuring the arrows face the front of the engine. For installation, position the engine block bottom up, remove the main bearing caps, and clean the bearing surfaces. Lay new upper main bearing inserts in the main bearing saddles, ensuring the thrust washers are installed in the number 3 crankshaft journal. Clean the crankshaft and bearing insert faces, then lay the crankshaft in position. Check the main bearing oil clearance using Plastigage, ensuring it is slightly shorter than the journal width. Place Plastigage on each journal, install the caps without disturbing it, and apply clean engine oil to the bolt threads before tightening in sequence. Remove the caps to measure the crushed Plastigage against the scale to determine clearance, which should be between 0.0015 and 0.0023 inch. If the clearance is incorrect, check for dirt or oil interference and consider replacing the bearing inserts if necessary. After scraping off Plastigage residue, lift the crankshaft out again, install oil jets, and apply a thin layer of grease or assembly lube to the bearing surfaces. Lay the crankshaft back in place, clean the bearing insert faces, and install the main bearing caps with the arrows facing the front. Apply clean engine oil to the bolt threads, torque the bolts in sequence, and recheck crankshaft endplay. Rotate the crankshaft by hand to check for binding, ensuring it rotates with a running torque of 50 in-lbs or less, and install a new rear main oil seal.
Posted by AcuraPartsWarehouse Specialist 
