Rod Bearing Clearance Inspection

Remove the connecting rod cap and bearing half (see CRANKSHAFT AND PISTON REMOVAL ).
Clean the crankshaft rod journal and bearing half with a clean shop towel.
Place a strip of plastigage across the rod journal.
Reinstall the bearing half and cap, and torque the bolts.
NOTE:
- Apply new engine oil to the bolt threads and flanges.
- Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspection.
Tightening Torque: 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 14 lbf.ft) + 90°
Remove the rod cap and bearing half and measure the widest part of the plastigage.
Connecting Rod Bearing-to-Journal Oil Clearance

Standard (New): 0.020-0.044 mm (0.0008-0.0017 in.)

Service Limit: 0.050 mm (0.0020 in.)

Fig 1: Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing-To-Journal Oil Clearance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the upper half of the bearing, then install a new, complete bearing with the same color code, and recheck the clearance. Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the caps to adjust clearance.
If the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect, try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color listed above or below that one), and check clearance again. If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start over (see CRANKSHAFT AND PISTON REMOVAL ).