Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 43654 Piston Pin Retainer Clip Remover/Installer

Fig 1: View Of Piston Pin Retaining Clips

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Apply engine oil to the connecting rod small end bushing and to the piston pin bore of the piston.
Install the piston pin into the piston and connecting rod.

IMPORTANT:

For the right bank piston and connecting rod assemblies, reassemble so the grade mark on the connecting rod faces the right side of the engine and the piston front mark faces the front of the engine.
For the left bank piston and connecting rod assemblies, reassemble so the grade mark on the connecting rod faces the left side of the engine and the piston front mark faces the front of the engine.

Install the piston pin retaining rings.
Apply engine oil to the piston ring grooves.
Install the piston rings using a piston ring expander.

Fig 2: Removing & Installing Piston Rings Using Piston Ring Expander

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The 2N mark on the 2nd compression ring must face upwards. The piston has a groove between the 1st and the 2nd compression rings to allow for expansion of blow-by gases. No ring is to be installed in this groove.

Orientate the piston ring end gaps as illustrated.

Fig 3: Orientating Piston Ring End Gaps

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.