Each crank bearing has a color on it. Does it matter what journal it goes into. They all look the same to me.

 

yes..
the colors correspond to the journals / and crank..
on the edge of the block there is a set of 5 letters for the 5 journals..
on the cranks there is the same..
the two letters used together correspond to a matrix in the manual for which color bearing to use

 

The safest and most practical way is to plastigage the journals so you know where you stand.

 

Thanks for the info. What happens if you put the wrong bearing in each journal?

 

The entire purpose of having bearings in a range of sizes is to get your bearing-to-journal clearances within the range specified by the factory. The specified clearances were designed to ensure that each journal and bearing has enough oil for lubrication and cooling.

If you make the clearance too tight (by using a bearing that's too big), then the journal and bearings won't get enough oil circulation. Lack of oil lubrication can cause scoring of the journals and bearings and greater heat stressing of the local area. At the very worst, you can seize the engine and warp the crank.

If you make the clearance too loose (by using a bearing that's too small), then the crank journal will be allowed too much room and it will wobble around, in some instances causing what's known as "rod knock". In extreme cases, this can also cause an engine seizure.