Piston, Connecting Rod and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection

Special Tools 

EN-45059  Torque Angle Sensor Kit

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

1. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Removal .
2. Remove the connecting rod bearing cap (1).
   Fig 1: Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
   Fig 2: Marking Position On Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
   1. Mark the installation position (1) of the connecting rod bearing cap.
   2. Remove the 2 bolts.
   3. Degrease the connecting rod bearing cap and wet the connecting rod bearing clip with engine oil.
3. Lay on plastigage. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants and Sealers .
   NOTE: Do not rotate the crankshaft.

   Lay plastigage (flexible plastic thread) over the entire width of the connecting rod bearing journal.

4. Install the connecting rod bearing cap.
5. Tighten the 2 bolts in three passes using the EN-45059  sensor kit:
   CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution
   1. First pass tighten to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).
   2. Second pass tighten to an additional 45°
   3. Third pass tighten to an additional 15°
6. Remove the 2 bolts.
   Fig 3: Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
7. Remove the connecting rod bearing cap (1).
8. Measure the connecting rod bearing play.
   Fig 4: Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Play Using Measuring Scale

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
   NOTE: When reading the value, do not confuse millimeters and inches on the measuring scale (1).
   • Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread with the measuring scale.
   • Permissible connecting rod bearing play: 0.019-0.071 mm (0.0007-0.0028 in).
9. Install the connecting rod bearing cap.
   NOTE: Check markings on parts.
   • Wet the connecting rod bearing journal and con-rod bearing clips with engine oil.
   • Renew the bolts.
10. Tighten the 2 bolts in three passes using the EN-45059  sensor kit :
    1. First pass tighten to 35 N.m (26 lb ft)
    2. Second pass tighten to an additional 45°
    3. Third pass tighten to an additional 15°
11. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Installation .