Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Special Tools

• J 8037:  Piston Ring Compressor
• J 45059:  Angle Meter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Fig 1: Identifying First & Second Design Connecting Rod Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: There are first design (1) and second design (2) connecting rod bearings. Install the connecting rod bearings with the notches orientated as shown.
1. Select the connecting rod bearing according to the Connecting Rod Bearings Selection Specifications chart.
2. Position the crankshaft so the connecting rod journal is opposite the piston and connecting rod assembly being installed.
Fig 2: View Of Connecting Rod Cap & Bearing Insert
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Install the connecting rod bearing inserts.
4. Lubricate the cylinder wall and piston rings with engine oil.
5. Install the J 8037:  compressor to the piston to compress the piston rings.
Fig 3: View Of Piston Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Orientate the piston front mark and the piston inside mark to the engine block.
Fig 4: Pushing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly Into Engine
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: The chamfered side of the connecting rod large journal ends must face away from each other on a common crankshaft journal. Placement of the chamfered side of the connecting rod large journal ends in any other direction or combination will cause damage to the crankshaft, connecting rod and connecting rod bearing.
7. Push the piston and connecting rod assembly into the engine.
Fig 5: View Of Connecting Rods
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: The connecting rods and rod bearing caps are NOT interchangeable. Reference the match marks on the connecting rods and the connecting rod bearing caps made in the removal procedure to ensure that they are assembled in their original position and direction, with the connecting rod/rod bearing cap mating surfaces properly oriented and aligned.
8. Install the gauging plastic onto the connecting rod journal. Install the gauging plastic the full width of the journal.
9. Install the connecting rod cap.
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
10. Install the original connecting rod cap bolts for the plastic gauging. NEW bolts will be used for final assembly.
11. Tighten the bolts in three steps.
    1. 1st step 64 N.m (47 lb ft)
    2. 2nd step 30 degrees using J 45059:  meter
    3. 3rd step 30 degrees using J 45059:  meter
12. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts.
13. Compare the width of the gauging plastic with the scale printed on the gauging plastic container. The connecting rod bearing clearance should be 0.10 mm (0.0039 in).
14. Discard the original connecting rod bolts once the plastic gauging is completed. NEW connecting rod bolts will be used for final assembly.
15. Carefully clean the gauging plastic from the bearing surface and the crankpin.
16. Lubricate the connecting rod bearing inserts with engine oil.
17. Install the connecting rod cap.
CAUTION: This component uses bolts with a preapplied molybdenum disulfide coating for thread lubrication. Do not remove the coating or use any additional lubricant. Improperly lubricated threads will adversely affect the bolt torque and clamp load. Improper bolt torque and clamp load can lead to engine damage.
18. Install NEW connecting rod cap bolts.
19. Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts in three steps.
    1. 1st step 64 N.m (47 lb ft)
    2. 2nd step 30 degrees using J 45059:  meter
    3. 3rd step 30 degrees using J 45059:  meter