Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
- J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
- J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
- Install the connecting rod bearings. Use the proper size bearings.
- Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
- Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
- Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
- Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
- Install J 8037 over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
- The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston (1) faces the front of the engine.
- Place the piston in its matching bore.
- 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.
- Hold the J 8037 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
- Install the connecting rod caps.
- Install the connecting rod cap bolts.
Tighten: Progressively torque the connecting rod cap bolts using 2 steps.
- 1st Pass: Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
- 2nd Pass: Mark the front of the connecting rod cap bolts with paint then rotate 90 degrees using the J 36660-A .
IMPORTANT:
Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.
NOTE:
This bolt is designed to permanently stretch when tightened. The correct part number fastener must be used to replace this type of fastener. Do not use a bolt that is stronger in this application. If the correct bolt is not used, the parts will not be tightened correctly. The system or the components may be damaged.
NOTE:
Refer to Fastener Notice
in Cautions and Notices.