Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Pontiac G5 and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Coat the following parts with engine oil:
- The piston
- The piston rings
- The cylinder bore
- The bearing surfaces

Fig 1: J-43966-1 Installed Into Connecting Rod Bolt Holes

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the piston into its original bore using the J-43966-1 , J 43953 and J 41742 . See Special Tools .
Lightly tap the top of the piston with a wooden hammer handle.
When installing the piston and the connecting rod, the stamped mark on the piston must point to the front of the engine.
Hold the J 43953 firmly against the engine block until all the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore. See Special Tools .
Install the connecting rod caps onto their original connecting rods.
Align the numbers placed on the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap during removal.
Install the new connecting rod bolts and nuts and tighten.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

On the first pass, tighten the nuts evenly to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
On the final pass, use the J 45059 in order to tighten the nuts an additional 100 degrees.

Fig 2: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge.
The correct clearance is 0.070-0.370 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).
Install the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .