Crankshaft and Main Bearings — Removal and Installation (Honda Accord 3)

Except Accord 90-91

1. Remove the engine from the vehicle and place it on a work stand.

2. Remove the crankshaft pulley mounting bolts and washers.

3. Remove the front cover and the air conditioning idler pulley assembly if the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning. Remove the cover assembly.

4. Check the camshaft drive belt deflection. Remove the belt and sprockets.

5. Turn the engine over on the work stand. Remove the flywheel and rear oil seal cover. Remove the oil pan and gasket. Remove the oil pump receiver and oil pump assembly.



6. Make sure all bearing shells (main and connecting rod) are marked so that they can be installed in their original positions. Rotate the crankshaft until the connecting rod from which the cap is to be removed is at the top. Remove the cap. Push the connecting rod and piston assembly up the cylinder. Repeat the procedure for the remaining connecting rods and pistons.



7. Remove the main bearing caps.



8. Carefully remove the crankshaft from the block so as not to damage the top surface of the thrust bearing.

To install:

If the bearings are to be reused, they should be marked so that they can be installed in their original positions.

9. Remove the main bearing shells from the block and bearing caps.



10. Remove the connecting rod bearing shells from the connecting rod and caps.

11. Install the new rear oil seal into the rear oil seal cover.

12. Apply a thin coat of grease to the rear surfaces of the crankshaft. Do not apply sealant to the area forward of the seal groove. Inspect all running surfaces on the crankshaft for nicks, scratches, or burrs that could cause premature bearing wear.

13. If the crankshaft main bearing journals have been machined to a smaller size, install bearings of the correct size. Clean the bearing shells. Foreign material under the bearing shells will distort the bearing and cause failure.

14. Place the upper main bearing shells in place so that the tab on the shell fits into the groove.

15. Install the lower main bearing shells into the bearing caps.

16. Carefully lower the crankshaft into place.



17. Check the clearance of each main bearing.

18. After the bearings are installed, lightly lubricate them and the journals with plastic grease. Install all bearing caps.

Bearing caps must be installed in their original positions.

19. Align the upper thrust bearing.

20. Check the crankshaft axial clearance.

21. If the axial clearance is greater than the norm, replace the upper thrust bearing. If the axial clearance is less than the norm, inspect the surface of the thrust bearing for damage, dirt, or improper alignment.

22. Install new bearing shells into the connecting rods and caps. Check the clearances at each bearing.

23. If the clearances are normal, lightly lubricate the journals and bearings with plastic grease.

24. Turn the crankshaft to the bottom dead center. Press the piston downwards all the time until the connecting rod bearing sits on the crankshaft journal.

25. Install the connecting rod cap and tighten it to the specified value.

26. After installing all pistons and connecting rods as an assembly, check the crankshaft connecting rod journals.