Rod-Piston & Connecting: Installation

Fig 1: Piston/Connecting Rod Installation

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - MARKINGS ON PISTON FACE FRONT OF ENGINE

2 - RING COMPRESSOR

3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8388 CONNECTING ROD GUIDES

1. Install piston rings on piston (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - INSTALLATION)  .
2. Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Lubricate connecting rod journal with clean engine oil.
3. Install connecting rod bearing half onto connecting rod.
4. Install Special Tool 8388 (3) connecting rod guides onto connecting rod. See Fig 1.
   Fig 2: Piston Ring End Gap Position

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL

   2 - NO. 1 RING GAP

   3 - GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL

   4 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP

5. Before installing pistons and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, ensure the compression ring gaps (2,4) are staggered, and neither is in line with the oil ring rail gap (1,3). Ensure the oil ring expander ends (4) are butted and the rail gaps (1,3) are staggered.
6. Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor over the piston. Be sure position of rings does not change during this operation  .
   Fig 3: Piston/Connecting Rod Installation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - MARKINGS ON PISTON FACE FRONT OF ENGINE

   2 - RING COMPRESSOR

   3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8388 CONNECTING ROD GUIDES

7. Compress piston rings with suitable ring compressor (2).
8. Install piston into cylinder making sure marks (1) on piston face toward front of engine. See Fig 3.
9. Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting rod into position on connecting rod journal.
10. Remove Connecting Rod Guides 8388 (3).
11. Install connecting rod lower bearing half and cap. Install New  bolts and tighten to 26 N.m (19 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
    CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for the second step.