Rod-Piston & Connecting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Dodge Magnum, 2008 Dodge Charger, and 2008 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Check for Stretched Bolts

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - STRETCHED BOLT

2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE

3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE

4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT

Install the piston rings. See INSTALLATION .
NOTE: The connecting rod bearing cap bolts must be examined before reuse. If the threads are necked down, the bolts must be replaced.

Check connecting rod bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all threads do not contact the scale, the bolt must be replaced. See Fig 1.

Fig 2: Piston Ring End Gap Position

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER

2 - NO. 1 RING GAP

3 - PISTON PIN

4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER

5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP

Before installing pistons and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, ensure that compression ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap. See Fig 2.

Fig 3: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor over the piston and tighten with the special wrench. See Fig 3. Ensure position of rings does not change during this operation.
Install connecting rod bolt protectors, special tool # 8189. See Fig 3.
Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert the rod and piston into cylinder bore and guide the rod over the crankshaft journal.
CAUTION: Do Not interchange piston assemblies cylinder-to-cylinder or bank-to-bank.

Fig 4: Piston Orientation
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - ARROW FACES FRONT OF ENGINE
The arrow on top of piston must be pointing toward front of engine. See Fig 4.

Fig 5: Piston & Connecting Rod Positioning
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - MAJOR THRUST SIDE OF PISTON

2 - OIL SQUIRT HOLE

CAUTION: View of connecting rod oil squirt hole is from the front of the engine.
The oil squirt hole on connecting rod faces the major thrust side of the cylinder bore. See Fig 5.
NOTE: Make sure the rod bearings are seated with the oil squirt hole aligned.
Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting rod into position on connecting rod journal.
NOTE: Connecting rod bolts must be lubricated with clean engine oil.
Install the rod caps. Install cleaned and inspected connecting rod bolts and tighten to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.) Plus 1/4 turn.
Install the cylinder head(s). See INSTALLATION .
Install the oil pan. See INSTALLATION .