Installation Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Install the connecting rod bearings. Use the proper size bearings.
- 1.1. Install the bearings inserts into the connecting rod cap.
- 1.2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
- Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
- 2.1. Slide a piece of 9.5 mm (0.375 in) fuel or vacuum hose over the connecting rod bolts. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
- 2.2. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
- 2.3. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
- 2.4. Install J 8037 over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
- 2.5. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
- 2.6. Place the piston in its matching bore.
- 2.7. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
- 2.8. Hold the J 8037 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
- 2.9. Remove the vacuum hose from the connecting rod bolts.
Important: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.
- Install the connecting rod cap.
- Install the connecting rod bolt nuts.
- 4.1. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 25 N.m (18 ft lbs), then rotate 80 degrees using the J 36660-A .
- 4.2. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.
- Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge. The correct clearance is 0.150-0.450 mm (0.0059-0.0177 in).
- Install the crankshaft timing sprocket with the marked side facing out and rotate the crankshaft to align the keyway with the timing mark on the engine block.