After torquing each main bearing cap, which check confirms proper installation?

• A. Crankshaft deflection
• B. Free rotation of the crankshaft
• C. Clutch free pedal
• D. Connecting rod side clearance

Answer: (B)

When you’ve torqued the main bearing caps, you verify proper installation by rotating the crankshaft by hand to feel for smooth, unrestricted movement. This tells you the caps are seated correctly, the bearings are aligned, and there’s no binding or misalignment that would indicate a wrong cap orientation or incorrect torque. If the crank turns freely with even resistance and no grinding, you’ve likely installed the caps correctly and established proper bearing seating.

Other checks don’t relate directly to this step: crankshaft deflection is a measurement more about bearing clearance or alignment in some setups, the clutch free pedal concerns the clutch system, and connecting rod side clearance pertains to the rods rather than the main bearing caps. The essential early confirmation after torquing is that the crankshaft rotates freely.