Crankshaft and bearings - examination and renovation

1.8 litre (R2A type)
1 Examine the bearing surfaces of the crankshaft for scratches or scoring and, using a micrometer, check each journal and crankpin for ovality. Where this is found to be in excess of 0.0254 mm (0.001 in) the crankshaft will have to be reground and undersize bearings fitted.

2 Crankshaft regrinding should be carried out by a suitable engineering works, who will normally supply the matching undersize main and big-end shell bearings.

3 Note that undersize bearings may already have been fitted either in production or by a previous repairer. Check the markings on the backs of the old bearing shells, and if in doubt take them along when buying new ones.

4 If the crankshaft endfloat is more than the maximum specified amount, a new thrust bearing shell should be fitted to the centre main bearing.

5 An accurate method of determining bearing wear is by the use of Plastigage. The crankshaft is located in the main bearings (and big-end bearings if necessary) and the Plastigage filament located across the journal which must be dry. The cap is then fitted and the bolts/nuts tightened to the specified torque. On removal of the cap the width of the filament is checked with a plastic gauge and 1.8 litre (R2A type)
1 Examine the bearing surfaces of the crankshaft for scratches or scoring and, using a micrometer, check each journal and crankpin for ovality. Where this is found to be in excess of 0.0254 mm (0.001 in) the crankshaft will have to be reground and undersize bearings fitted.

2 Crankshaft regrinding should be carried out by a suitable engineering works, who will normally supply the matching undersize main and big-end shell bearings.

3 Note that undersize bearings may already have been fitted either in production or by a previous repairer. Check the markings on the backs of the old bearing shells, and if in doubt take them along when buying new ones.

4 If the crankshaft endfloat is more than the maximum specified amount, a new thrust bearing shell should be fitted to the centre main bearing.

5 An accurate method of determining bearing wear is by the use of Plastigage. The crankshaft is located in the main bearings (and big-end bearings if necessary) and the Plastigage filament located across the journal which must be dry. The cap is then fitted and the bolts/nuts tightened to the specified torque. On removal of the cap the width of the filament is checked with a plastic gauge and

Cylinder block and bores - examination and renovation

Refer to Section 36, Chapter 2, Part A but note that the crankcase ventilation baffle should be removed from its location at the rear of the cylinder block and cleaned if necessary (see illustration).

34.1 Removing the crankcase ventilation baffle
34.1 Removing the crankcase ventilation baffle

Initial start-up after overhaul or major repair

Refer to Section 37, Chapter 2, Part A.

    See also:

    Exterior lamp bulbs - renewal
    Note: The glass envelopes of the headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp and front foglamp bulbs must not be touched with the fingers. If the glass is accidentally touched, it should be washed with methy ...

    Battery - testing and charging
    Testing Standard and low maintenance battery 1 If the vehicle covers a small annual mileage it is worthwhile checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte every three months to determine the s ...

    Airflow meter - removal and refitting
    Note: A tachometer and an exhaust gas analyser will be required to check the idle mixture on completion. 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Depress the locking clip on the airflow meter wi ...