Can you measure the rod journal on the crank shaft without splitting the case?

[yelcab1]

Like the title says... with a 2.0L T engine, can you measure the crank shaft rod journal without splitting the case? If so, what tool?

[r lane]

There are any number of tight space measuring calipers or michs. Starrett, Central are a couple of manufacturers that you could contact. Or you can make one. Cut a long horse shoe out of 3/8'' aluminum stock, (any sturdy material will work) Drill and tap the ends of each finger so that you can attache a couple of bolts and lock nuts with the bolt ends facing each other. Slide it in and out with bolt adjustments until you get the correct drag and then measure that distance.

[30westrob]

You can also use plastic gauge to check rod bearing clearances with the case closed. Rob

[r lane]

I should have added, the ends of the measuring bolts need to be square or true. The plastigauge may be the way, though I have never tried it.

[john walker's workshop]

The journal needs to be measured in several places, all around it to be sure it's in spec. Ain't going to happen in situ. If you're just trying to find out what size bearing to use, the bearings have the size stamped on them. When using plastigauge, nothing can rotate, or you get a false reading. That leaves out rod bearings in the case.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

Like the title says... with a 2.0L T engine, can you measure the crank shaft rod journal without splitting the case? If so, what tool?

How many miles on motor would be my first question. Assuming your deciding on whether to do a full rebuild or not, I would just split the case and avoid the guesswork.
Lower end failure can destroy an expensive block in seconds.