Genuine Mazda 323 Crankshaft

Mazda 323 Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Crankshaft
  B61K-11-300B
  Q: Is crankshaft installation the first major step in engine reassembly on Mazda 323?

  A:

  Crankshaft installation is the first major step in engine reassembly, assuming the engine block and crankshaft have been cleaned, inspected, and repaired. Position the engine with the bottom facing up, then remove the main bearing cap bolts and lift out the caps, laying them out in the proper order. If old bearing inserts are still in place, remove them from the block and caps, and wipe the main bearing surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth to ensure cleanliness. Clean the back sides of the new main bearing inserts and place one half with the oil groove in each main bearing saddle in the block, while the other half goes in the corresponding main bearing cap, ensuring proper alignment of tabs and oil holes. Install thrust bearings in the number four cap and saddle, then clean the bearing faces and crankshaft main bearing journals. Once the crankshaft is clean, lay it in position in the main bearings and check the main bearing oil clearance using Plastigage, ensuring it is trimmed to the appropriate size and placed parallel to the journal axis. After installing the caps in their respective positions without disturbing the Plastigage, apply a light coat of oil to the bolt threads and undersides of the bolt heads before tightening the main bearing cap bolts in the recommended sequence. Remove the bolts and carefully lift off the main bearing caps to compare the width of the crushed Plastigage to the scale on the envelope for clearance measurement. If the clearance is not as specified, check for dirt or oil interference before concluding that different inserts are needed. Carefully scrape off any traces of Plastigage material, then lift the crankshaft out, clean the bearing faces in the block, and apply a thin layer of clean moly-base grease or engine assembly lube to each bearing surface, including the thrust washers. Lubricate the crankshaft surfaces that contact the oil seals, then lay the crankshaft back in place, clean the bearing faces in the caps, and apply lubricant before installing the caps with arrows pointing toward the front of the engine. Ensure the thrust washers are correctly positioned, apply a light coat of oil to the bolt threads and undersides of the bolt heads, and tighten all main bearing cap bolts to the specified torque. Rotate the crankshaft by hand to check for binding, then check the crankshaft end play with a feeler gauge or dial indicator, ensuring it is correct if the thrust faces are not worn and new thrust washers are installed. Finally, install a new rear main oil seal and bolt the retainer to the block.