Method of Using Plastigage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Infiniti G35. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove engine oil and dust on crankshaft main journal and the surfaces of each bearing completely.
Cut Plastigage slightly shorter than the bearing width, and place it in crankshaft axial direction, avoiding oil holes.

Install main bearings to cylinder block and main bearing caps, and tighten main bearing bolts with main bearing beam to the specified torque. Refer to "ASSEMBLY " for the tightening procedure.

CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft.

Remove main bearing caps and bearings, and using scale on Plastigage bag, measure the Plastigage width.

Fig 1: Measuring Plastigage Width

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

NOTE: The procedure when the measured value exceeds the limit is same as that described in the "Method by Calculation".