Piston - Pin Connecting Rod, Press Fit: Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lubricate the piston pin and piston pin bore with clean engine oil.

Fig 1: Locating Piston Pin
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: During assembly the small end of the connecting rod must be heated to 232°-316°C (450°-600°F).

Fig 2: Pressing Piston Pin Into Piston And Connecting Rod

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, press the piston pin into the piston and the connecting rod.

NOTE: Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with clean engine oil.

NOTE: Use a suitable ring expander to install the piston rings. Make sure ring end gaps are equally spaced around the circumference of the piston for all piston rings.

Fig 3: Installing Second Oil Control Ring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the second oil control ring.
Install the oil control spacer ring.

Fig 4: Installing Oil Control Spacer Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the first oil control ring.

Fig 5: Installing First Oil Control Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the second compression ring.

Fig 6: Installing Second Compression Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the top compression ring.

Fig 7: Installing Top Compression Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the piston ring end gap and ring-to-groove side clearance. For additional information, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .