Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Tools Required

• J 8037  Ring Compressor. See Special Tools .
• J 41742  Connecting Rod Guide Pin
• J 45059  Angle Meter or SA9140E  Torque Angle Gage

Fig 1: View Of Connecting Rod, Piston & Removal/Installation Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Select the proper size bearings. Refer to Connecting Rod Bearing Selection in Crankshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .
2. Install the upper bearing half to the connecting rod.
3. Install the J 41742  to the connecting rod in order to guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft journal.
Fig 2: View Of Piston Installation Arrow Mark
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Install the piston into the cylinder bore with the arrow or mark (1) on the top of the piston facing the front of the engine.
Fig 3: Installing Piston
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Hold the J 8037  firmly against the engine block. See Special Tools . Using a wooden hammer handle, lightly tap the top of the piston until all of the piston rings enter the cylinder bore.
Fig 4: View Of Lower Bearing Half, Cap & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
6. Install the lower bearing half (117), cap (116) and bolts (115).

   Tighten: 

   1. Tighten the bolts a first pass to 20 N.m (14 lb ft).
   2. Tighten the bolts a final pass an additional 90 degrees using the J 45059  or SA9140E  .

Fig 5: Measuring Connecting Rod End-Play
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Measure the connecting rod end-play. Insert a feeler gage between the connecting rod and crankshaft.

   Specification: 

   • Connecting rod end play - new: 0.15-0.35 mm (0.006-0.014 in)
   • Connecting rod end play - service limit: 0.45 mm (0.018 in)

8. If the connecting rod end-play is not within the service limit, install a new connecting rod and measure again. If it is still not within the service limit, replace the crankshaft.