Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection

Fig 1: Installing Piston, Piston Ring, Connecting Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: 

Measurement of all components should be taken with the components at room temperature.

Do not use a wire brush in order to clean any part of the piston.

1. Clean the piston and connecting rod in solvent.
   CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.
2. Dry the components with compressed air.
3. Clean the piston ring grooves with a suitable ring groove cleaning tool.
   Fig 2: Cleaning Piston Ring Grooves With Suitable Ring Groove Cleaning Tool

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Clean the piston oil lubrication holes and slots.
5. Inspect the piston for the following:
   • Eroded areas (1) on the top of the piston
   • Scuffed or damaged skirt (2)
   • Damage to the pin bore (3)
   • Cracks in the piston ring lands, the piston skirt, or the pin bosses
   • Piston ring grooves for nicks, burrs, or other warpage which may cause the piston ring to bind
6. Inspect the piston pin for scoring, wear or other damage.
   Fig 3: Inspecting Piston Pin For Scoring, Wear Or Other Damage

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Measure the piston ring-to-piston ring groove side clearance.
   Fig 4: Measuring Piston Ring-To-Piston Ring Groove Side Clearance

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   1. 7.1. Insert the edge of the piston ring into the piston ring groove.
   2. 7.2. Roll the piston ring completely around the piston.
      • If binding is caused by a distorted piston ring groove, MINOR imperfections may be removed with a fine file.
      • If binding is caused by a distorted piston ring, replace the piston ring.
8. Measure the piston ring side clearance with a feeler gauge.
9. If the side clearance is too small, try another piston ring set.
   Fig 5: Measuring Piston Ring Side Clearance With Feeler Gauge

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. If the proper piston ring-to-piston ring groove clearance cannot be achieved, replace the piston and pin assembly.
11. To determine the proper piston ring side clearance, refer to ENGINE MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS  .
12. Inspect the connecting rod for an out-of-round bearing bore. Refer to ENGINE MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS  .
    Fig 6: Inspecting Connecting Rod For An Out-Of-Round Bearing Bore

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
13. Inspect the connecting rod for twisting.
    Fig 7: Inspecting Connecting Rod For Damage To Bearing Cap And Bolt Threads

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Inspect the connecting rod for damage to the bearing cap and bolt threads.
15. Measure the piston compression ring end gap.
    Fig 8: Inspecting Connecting Rod For Damage To Bearing Cap And Bolt Threads

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important: 

    Fit each compression ring to the cylinder in which it will be used.

    1. 15.1. Place the compression ring into the cylinder bore.
    2. 15.2. Push the compression ring into the cylinder bore to approximately 6.5 mm (0.25 in) above the ring travel.

       The ring must be square to the cylinder wall.

    3. 15.3. Use a feeler gage in order to measure the end gap.
    4. 15.4. Select another size ring set if the end gap exceeds specifications. Refer to ENGINE MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS  .