Cylinder Block: Assembly: Crankshaft

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set main bearings in their proper positions on cylinder block and main bearing beam.
- Confirm that correct main bearings are used. Refer to "Inspection" of this section.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Upper Main Bearing With Oil Groove
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Instructions for re-use of main bearing cap bolts.
- A plastic zone tightening method is used for tightening main bearing cap bolts. Measure d1 and d2 as shown in the figure.
  d2: Select minimum diameter in the measuring area.
  
  If the difference between d1 and d2 exceeds the limit, replace the bolts with new ones.
  
  Limit (d1 - d2): 0.11 mm (0.0043 in)
  
  Fig 2: Locating Bolt Measuring Point
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Journal Front Side Mark
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
After installing crankshaft, main bearing cap, main bearing beam and bearing cap bolts, tighten bearing cap bolts in numerical order as shown.
- Make sure that the front mark on the main bearing beam faces the front of the engine.
- Tightening procedure
  1. Tighten all bolts to 32 to 38 N.m (3.3 to 3.9 kg-m, 24 to 28 ft-lb).
  2. Turn all bolts 90 to 95 degrees clockwise with angle wrench.
- Prior to tightening bearing cap bolts, place bearing beam in its proper position by shifting crankshaft in the axial direction.
- After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.
- Lubricate threads and seat surfaces of the bolts with new engine oil.
  
  Fig 4: Tightening Sequence Of Bolt In Numerical Order
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Measure crankshaft end play.
Crankshaft end play:

Standard

0.10 - 0.25 mm (0.0039 - 0.0098 in)

Limit

0.30 mm (0.0118 in)

If beyond the limit, replace bearing with a new one.

Fig 5: Measuring Crankshaft End Play
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install connecting rod bearings in connecting rods and connecting rod caps.
- Confirm that correct bearings are used.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Protrusion And Cutout
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install pistons with connecting rods.
1. Install them into corresponding cylinders with Tool.
  - Be careful not to scratch cylinder wall with the connecting rod.
  - Arrange so that front mark on piston head faces toward engine front.
    
    Fig 7: Installing Pistons With Suitable Tool
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
2. Install connecting rod caps.
  - Lubricate threads and seat surfaces with new engine oil.
  - Install so that the cylinder number stamped on the connecting rod agrees with that stamped on cap side.
  - Make sure that front mark on the connecting rod cap faces the front of the engine.
    
    Fig 8: Installing Connecting Rod Caps With Proper Identification
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
3. Re-use connecting rod cap bolts as follows.
  - Make sure that the bolts can be smoothly screwed-in to the end manually.
  - If not, measure the outer diameter "d" shown in the figure.
    Outer diameter "d" of connecting rod cap bolt:
    
    Standard
    
    7.90 - 8.00 mm (0.3110 - 0.3150 in)
    
    Limit
    
    7.75 mm (0.3051 in)
    
    Fig 9: Locating Connecting Rod Cap Bolts Thread
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Tighten connecting rod cap bolts to the specified torque.
  Connecting rod cap bolt:
  1. Tighten nuts to 19 to 21 Nm (1.9 to 2.1 kg-m, 14 to 15 ft-lb).
  2. Turn nuts 90 to 95 degrees clockwise with angle wrench.
    
    Fig 10: Tightening Connecting Rod Cap Bolts To Specified Torque
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. Measure connecting rod side clearance.
  Connecting rod side clearance:
  
  Standard
  
  0.20 - 0.35 mm (0.0079 - 0.0138 in)
  
  Limit
  
  0.40 mm (0.0157 in)
  
  If beyond the limit, replace connecting rod and/or crankshaft.
6. Install rear oil seal retainer.
  
  Fig 11: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.