Pic. 3.34. Using a dial indicator to measure crankshaft end play
Before removing the crankshaft, check its end play. Install the indicator so that its measuring tip coincides with the axis of the crankshaft and touches the end of the shaft (pic. 3.34).
Move the crankshaft towards the rear of the engine, applying maximum effort, and in this position, set the indicator scale to zero. Then move the crankshaft forward to the maximum distance and read the indicator. Axial play is equal to the distance that the shaft has moved. If the end play exceeds the value given in the technical data, check the wear of the thrust flange surfaces of the shaft. If the wear is negligible, the play must be compensated by installing new main bearings.
It is not easy to measure the axial play with a feeler gauge in the absence of an indicator, since the thrust half rings of the crankshaft middle main bearing are available only on the seat side, and they are not on the cover side. Loosen each of the main bearing cap bolts 1/4 turn until they turn freely by hand. Check the markings on the covers, which must match the cylinder number. Usually the covers are numbered starting from the front of the engine. If there is no marking, mark with a core or stamp. The main bearing caps are molded with arrows pointing towards the front of the engine.
With light blows of a hammer through a soft spacer, slide the covers out of place and remove them from the cylinder block. If necessary, remove the covers, you can insert the mounting bolts into them and act as levers. Do not allow the main bearing to fall out if it remains in the cap.
Pic. 3.35. Using an impact puller to remove the needle bearing from the end of the crankshaft
Carefully remove the crankshaft from the cylinder block. It is recommended to do this with a helper as the shaft is quite heavy. Install the main bearing caps together with the bearings on the cylinder block in the same order and tighten the bolts by hand. On manual transmission models, use an impact tool to remove the needle bearing from the end of the crankshaft (pic. 3.35).