I struggled to get the main bearings of my 2.0L Vanagon engine seated
properly, and even when I thought I had it right, it turned out I
didn't.  So, what follows is my method for getting them seated right, and
the method (courtesy of AVP in Sacramento) for checking them.

First, "dry fit" by hand the No. 4 main bearing (fan end) and the No. 1
main bearing (flywheel end) in the left side case.  When you have them
firmly seated, take a sharp felt-tipped pen and mark them on both sides
where the bearings meet the case halfs.

Next, with the No. 2 main bearing (the split bearing) in place and
without the No. 1 and No. 4 bearings on the crank, lower the crank into
the left case half and dry fit the No. 3 main bearing (the one
trapped behind the timing gear).  Without the No. 4 and No. 1 bearings in
the way you can pretty easily manipulate the No. 3 main bearing and get
it properly seated.  Again, mark both sides of the bearing where it meets
the case with the marker.

With all bearings installed, place the crank in the left case half and
pull/turn/tug/lift the crank/lower the crank/etc. until your markings on
the various bearings are all in the right place.

Finally, check to see that it's really right by putting the right case
half No. 2 bearing on the exposed journal of the crank.  If everything's
OK you should NOT be able to rock the bearing back and forth over the
journal, that is, it should sit "flat" and without movement.  If you can
rock the bearing back and forth over the top of the journal, than
something's not seated properly, so you need to go back and check things out.

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Tom Young               young@sherlock.SIMS.Berkeley.EDU
Lafayette, CA  94549    '81 Vanagon
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