Installation Procedure

1. 1.1. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
2. 1.2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.

Fig 1: Connecting Rod Bearings

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. 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. 2.2. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
3. 2.3. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
4. 2.4. Install J 8037  over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
5. 2.5. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
6. 2.6. Place the piston in its matching bore.
7. 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.
8. 2.8. Hold the J 8037  against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
9. 2.9. Remove the vacuum hose from the connecting rod bolts.

Fig 2: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod Using J 8037

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important:  Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod. The tab on the connecting rod should be oriented toward the left (exhaust manifold) side of the engine.

Tighten 

1. 4.1. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 52 N.m (38 lb ft).
2. 4.2. Loosen the connecting rod bolt nuts 1 full turn.
3. 4.3. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 52 N.m (38 lb ft).

Fig 3: Connecting Rod & Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The correct clearance is 0.10-0.38 mm (0.0039-0.0149 in).

Fig 4: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.