Piston, Connecting Rod and Bearing Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 GMC Savana 3500, 2019 GMC Savana 2500, 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500, and 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Select the correct connecting rod bearings, refer to Connecting Rod Bearings Selection Specifications .
- Install the connecting rod bearings. Use NEW bearings.
- Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap (3).
- Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
- Install the EN-50034 guides into the connecting rod bolt holes. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod (1) installation.
- Install the compressor, piston, and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
- Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
- Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
- Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
- The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
- Place the piston in its matching bore.
- Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
- Hold the compressor against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
- Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.
- Install the connecting rod cap.
- Install the connecting rod bolts (2). Always use new bolts. Tighten the NEW connecting rod bolts to 30 N. m (22 lb ft), plus 40 degrees using the J-45059 meter.
- Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.
NOTE:
Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.
CAUTION:
This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.
CAUTION:
Refer to Fastener Caution .