Piston & Connecting Rod - Assemble

Important:  Install the piston onto the connecting rod with the arrow oriented toward the front of the engine.

The oil squirt hole at the lower end of the connecting rod must face the exhaust side of the piston.

1. Assemble the connecting rod and the piston.
   NOTE: Install the piston pin retainers correctly in the retaining groove during assembly in order to avoid engine damage.
2. Use the following procedure in order to assemble the piston pin and the retainer:
   1. 2.1. Coat the piston pin with oil.
   2. 2.2. Install one side of one piston pin retainer into the retaining groove. Rotate the retainer until it is fully seated in the groove.
   3. 2.3. Install the connecting rod and the piston pin. Push the piston pin until the pin bottoms in the previously installed retainer.
   4. 2.4. Install the second piston pin retainer.
   5. 2.5. Ensure that the piston moves freely.
   Fig 1: Assembling Piston Pin & Retainer

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE: Use a piston ring expander to install the piston rings. The rings may be damaged if expanded more than necessary.
3. Install the following components of the oil control ring assembly (bottom ring):
   1. 3.1. The expander
   2. 3.2. The lower oil control ring
   3. 3.3. The upper oil control ring

   Oil control ring gaps should be oriented 180° apart.

4. Install the lower compression ring (second ring). Place the manufacturer's mark facing up.
5. Install the upper compression ring (top ring).
   Fig 2: Assembling Piston Rings

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.