Crankshaft installation is generally the first task in engine reassembly, assuming the engine block and crankshaft have been cleaned, inspected, and reconditioned, and that all correct size crankshaft bearings have been assembled with checked oil clearance. Begin by rotating the engine on its stand until the bottom of the block is facing upward, then remove the crankshaft bearing cap assembly retaining bolts and lift out the cap assembly. Remove the bearing inserts from both the block and the cap assembly, ensuring to wipe the crankshaft bearing surfaces clean. Clean the back sides of the new crankshaft bearing inserts and place one half in each crankshaft bearing saddle in the block, with the corresponding half in the crankshaft bearing cap, ensuring proper alignment of the tab and oil holes without using lubrication. Clean the bearing faces and crankshaft main bearing journals, then apply a uniform layer of moly-based grease or engine assembly lube to each bearing surface, including the thrust flange faces. Gently lay the crankshaft into place, clean the bearing faces in the main journal caps, apply grease, and install the crankshaft cap assembly with the arrow pointing toward the front of the engine. Tighten all crankshaft bearing bolts finger tight, then progressively tighten them starting from the middle main journal outward, reaching the final specified torque in three steps. Rotate the crankshaft by hand to check for binding, then check crankshaft free end play using a feeler gauge or dial indicator, recording the reading for comparison with specified end play. If measurements are outside the specified range, verify readings, bearing sizes, and torque on retaining bolts, noting that the thrust flange on the number 4 crankshaft bearing primarily determines free end play. For the oil seal, place the retainer face down on wooden blocks, drive the old seal out, then flip the retainer, lay the new seal in place, and gently tap it in with a hammer. Drive the new seal into place using a wood block and hammer, lubricate the inside of the seal, apply gasket sealer to the engine block mating surface, and slide the rear crankshaft seal onto the crankshaft, tightening the seal retainer bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque.
Posted by NissanPartsDeal Specialist 
