2. Before removing the crankshaft, check the axial play using a micrometer (see illustration).
13.2. Check the axial play of the crankshaft with a micrometer.
Push the crankshaft all the way to one side, then set the micrometer to zero. Extend the crankshaft completely to the other side and check the axial clearance. The result can be compared with that stated in the Specifications to determine whether new thrust washers are required.
3. If you don't have a micrometer, you can use feeler gauges. First push the crankshaft towards the flywheel/drive plate, then insert a feeler gauge between the counterweight of the crankshaft journal No. 2 and the thrust washer of the center main bearing (c-, D- and E-series engines) (see illustration), or between the counterweight of the crankshaft journal No. 1 and the thrust washer of the main bearing No. 2 (f-series engine).
13.3. Check the crankshaft axial play with a feeler gauge - C- and E-series engines.
4. The main bearing caps must be marked with numbers. If this is not the case, number the cover and crankcase using a punch, as was done for the connecting rods and their caps (see illustration).
13.4. Identification numbers (marked with arrows) on main bearings.
5. Unscrew the main bearing cap mounting bolts and remove the caps together with the liners (see illustration).
13.5. Remove main bearing cap No. 1.
If this does not work, hit the lid with a wooden or copper mallet.
6. Carefully lift the crankshaft out of the crankcase.
7. Remove the thrust washers from each side of the center main bearing (c- and E-series engines) or main bearing No. 2 (f-series engine), then remove the upper halves of the liners from the crankcase. On D-series engines, the thrust washers are mounted in the center upper main bearing, which has no locating lug, so it can be installed in any orientation - remember the bearing/thrust washer orientation if they will not be changed (see illustrations).
13.7a. Remove the thrust washers...
13.7b....and the upper halves of the main bearings...
13.7s....or bearing shells with thrust washers on D-series engines.
Store liners with the appropriate lid.
8. Where necessary, remove the oil seal from the rear of the crankshaft.