Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Special Tools 

EN-470-B  Angular Torque Wrench

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Fig 1: Piston Ring Joint Adjustment Points
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
1. Adjust the piston ring joints as follows:
   1. Upper compression ring (1).
   2. Lower compression ring (4).
   3. Oil rings (2) or (3).
   4. Oil ring spacer (5).
Fig 2: Connecting Rods And Arrow On Piston Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
2. The arrow (1) on the piston head must point to the timing side.
3. The markings on the connecting rods (2) must point to the transmission side.
Fig 3: Pistons, Connecting Rods And Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
4. Install a piston ring compressor to compress the piston rings.
5. Install the pistons (1) in along with connecting rods (2) and upper connecting rod bearings (3) to the engine block and to the crankshaft.
Fig 4: Connecting Rod Bearing Caps And Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

The flarings (arrows) on the connecting rod bearing caps must point to the transmission side. The connecting rod bearing caps must be installed in their original position.

6. Install the 2 connecting rod bearings and the 2 connecting rod bearing caps (2) of cylinder 1 and 4.
CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

CAUTION:

Refer to Torque-to-Yield Fastener Caution .

NOTE:

Do not reuse the old bolts.

7. Install the 4 NEW connecting rod bearing cap bolts (1) and tighten in the following sequence:
   1. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
   2. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts an additional 45 degrees. Use EN-470 B  wrench.
8. Rotate the crankshaft 180 degrees.
Fig 5: Connecting Rod Bearing Caps And Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

The flarings (arrows) on the connecting rod bearing caps must point to the transmission side. The connecting rod bearing caps must be installed in their original position.

9. Install the 2 connecting rod bearings and the 2 connecting rod bearing caps (2) of cylinder 3 and 2.
NOTE:

Do not reuse the old bolts.

10. Install the 4 NEW connecting rod bearing cap bolts (1) and tighten in the following sequence:
    1. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts an additional 45 degrees. Use EN-470-B  wrench.