Piston and Connecting Rod Assembly Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora and 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Liberally lubricate the cylinder walls, piston rings and piston skirts with engine oil.
Important: The connecting rod is nondirectional and may be assembled/reassembled to the piston in either direction.
- Select the correctly numbered piston/connecting rod assembly for the cylinder. An arrow showing proper piston orientation is located on the top of the piston.
Important: If the connecting rod bearings have been used in a running engine, you must replace them with NEW connecting rod bearings for reassembly.
- Coat the crankshaft bearing journal and installed connecting rod bearings with GM crankshaft prelube GM P/N US 1052367, Canada 992869 or equivalent.
- Compress the piston rings using the J 29789
or equivalent.
Important: Extreme care must be used when installing the piston and connecting rod in order to be sure the rod does not scrape or nick the cylinder bore or the crankshaft surfaces.
- 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 29789 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 while tapping the piston into the cylinder.