Fitting Bearings

Main Bearing Identification:

CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings. All upper and lower bearing shells in the crankcase have oil grooves. The number three lower main thrust bearing is plain. Crankshaft end play is controlled by a flanged bearing on the number three main bearing journal.

Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves in the engine. All bearing cap bolts removed during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled before installation. Bearing shells are available in standard and the following undersized: 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) and 0.250 mm (0.010 inch). Never install an undersize bearing that will reduce clearance below specifications.

Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell:

MAIN BEARING INSTALLATION
1. Install the main bearing shells with the lubrication groove in the cylinder block.
2. Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil holes in bearings. Bearing tabs must seat in the block tab slots.

CAUTION: Do not get oil on the bedplate mating surface. It may effect the sealer ability to seal the bedplate to cylinder block.

3. Oil the bearings and journals and install crankshaft.

CAUTION:
Use only the specified anaerobic sealer on the bedplate or damage may occur to the engine. Ensure that both cylinder block and bedplate surfaces are clean.

Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Sealing:

4. Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 inch) bead of anaerobic sealer Mopar Torque Cure Gasket Maker to cylinder block.
5. Install lower main bearings into main bearing cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are seated into the bedplate slots. Install the main bearing/bedplate into engine block.
6. Before installing bolts, lubricate the threads with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
7. Install main bearing bedplate to engine block bolts 11, 17 and 20 finger tight. Tighten these bolts down together until the bedplate contacts the cylinder block.
8. To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment, perform the following steps:
- Step 1: Rotate crankshaft until number 4 piston is at TDC.
- Step 2: Move crankshaft rearward to limits of travel.
- Step 3: Then, move crankshaft forward to limits of travel.
- Step 4: Wedge an appropriate tool between the rear of the cylinder block (NOT BED PLATE) and the rear crankshaft counterweight. This will hold the crankshaft in it's furthest forward position.

Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Torque Sequence:

- Step 5: Install and tighten bolts (1 - 10) in sequence to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
- Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crankshaft.
9. Tighten bolts (1 - 10) again to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) + 1/4 turnin sequence.
10. Install main bearing bedplate to engine block bolts (11 through 20), and torque each bolt to 28 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) in sequence.
11. After the main bearing bedplate is installed, check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning torque should not exceed 5.6 Nm (50 inch lbs.).