Note. Removal of a cranked shaft is possible only from the engine taken out from the car. Assumes flywheel/drive plate, crankshaft sprocket, timing belt, oil pan, oil pickup, oil pump, oil deflector, and (on engines V18V1) connecting rod and piston assemblies have already been dismantled. Before removing the crankshaft, it is also necessary to unbolt and separate the rear oil seal holder from the cylinder block.
1. Before proceeding with the extraction of the crankshaft from the engine, measure the value of its axial play. Fix the DTI gauge on the block coaxially to the crankshaft, resting its plunger against the cheek of one of the cranks or the end of the trunnion (see accompanying illustration) the last one.
Note. The main bearing caps and their connecting bridge must remain in place, and their fasteners must be tightened to the required torque.
2. Push the crankshaft all the way back and reset the instrument indicator. Now push the shaft in the opposite direction and read the meter reading. The value of the shaft free play in the longitudinal direction is its axial play. Compare the measurement result with the requirements Specifications. If the backlash exceeds the maximum allowable value, check the thrust surfaces of the shaft for signs of excessive wear. If there are no obvious signs of wear, installing new thrust washers usually corrects the situation.
3. If you do not have a dial gauge on hand, you can use a conventional blade-type probe. Carefully slide the shaft all the way forward along the engine, then determine the amount of the resulting gap between the crank web and the front wall of the thrust (fourth) main bearing, tightly fitting a blade of appropriate thickness into it (I) probe (see accompanying illustration).
4a. In addition to the serial number, the lids are usually marked with cast arrows. On properly installed covers, the arrow should point in the direction of the timing belt. In several steps (1/4 turn per approach) loosen the bolts securing the main bearing caps and / or their connecting bridge so that they can be turned out manually.
4b. On Civic models, check the main bearing caps for alignment marks. If necessary, mark yourself with a center punch.
4c. On Integra models, check the main bearing caps for alignment markings. The covers must be numbered consecutively from front to back on the engine (see accompanying illustration).
5. Remove the main bearing caps or their bridge assembly. On Integra models, gently tap the remaining covers with a soft-faced hammer to separate them from the engine block. If necessary, use the mounting bolts as levers. Try not to drop the earbuds.
6. Carefully remove the crankshaft from the engine (use the help of an assistant). Make sure that the main bearing shells remain in their beds in the block and covers. Install the covers on the block, then finger-tighten the bolts securing them.