Piston and Connecting Rod Assembly Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Cadillac STS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Rotate the crankshaft using the J 39946: socket in order to align the crankshaft connecting rod journal being serviced to BDC.
- Liberally lubricate the cylinder walls, piston rings and piston skirts with clean engine oil.
- Select the correctly numbered piston/connecting rod assembly for the cylinder. Indication features showing proper piston orientation are located on the bottom of the piston and connecting rod. Ensure the connecting rod bearing tang notches in the connecting rod bearing bore are aligned to the same side.
- The locator lugs (1) on the bottom of the piston are oriented towards the front of engine.
- The notch (2) on the left piston assembly connecting rod cap is oriented towards the front of the engine. The piston locator lugs (1) and the connecting rod cap notch (2) in the same orientation.
- The notch (3) on the right piston assembly connecting rod cap is oriented towards the rear of the engine. The piston locator lugs (1) and the connecting rod cap notch (3) in the opposing orientation.
- Install the connecting rod bearing into the connecting rod.
- Install the EN 46121: set into the connecting rod bolt holes.
- Compress the piston rings using the J 8037: compressor or equivalent.
- Using both hands, slowly guide the piston and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder from the top and bottom of the cylinder. DO NOT allow the connecting rod to contact the cylinder wall.
- When the J 8037: compressor contacts the deck surface, gently tap the piston into the cylinder using the handle end of a dead-blow hammer. Guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft bearing journal using the EN 46121: set while taping the piston into the cylinder.
- Remove the EN 46121: set from the connecting rod bolt holes.
NOTE:
Connecting rod bearings that have been used in a running engine, must be replaced with NEW connecting rod bearings for reassembly.
NOTE:
Extreme care must be exercised when installing the piston and connecting rod in order to ensure the connecting rod does not scrape or nick the cylinder bore or the crankshaft journal surfaces.