Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Tools Required

• J 8037  Piston Ring Compressor
• J 45059  Angle Meter

IMPORTANT: The connecting rod bearing with the notch all the way out against the edge of the bearing (2) is the connecting rod bearing. The connecting rod bearing with the notch "in board" (1) is the connecting rod cap bearing.
Fig 1: View Of Connecting Rod Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Select the connecting rod bearing according to the Connecting Rod Bearings Selection Specifications chart.
2. Position the crankshaft so the connecting rod journal is opposite the piston and connecting rod assembly being installed.
3. Install the connecting rod bearing inserts.
Fig 2: View Of Bearing Insert And Connecting Rod Cap
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Lubricate the cylinder wall and piston rings with engine oil.
5. Install the J 8037  to the piston to compress the piston rings.
6. Orientate the piston front mark and the piston inside mark to the engine block.
Fig 3: View Of Piston Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: The chamfered side of the connecting rod large journal ends must face away from each other on a common crankshaft journal. Placement of the chamfered side of the connecting rod large journal ends in any other direction or combination will cause damage to the crankshaft, connecting rod and connecting rod bearing.
7. Push the piston and connecting rod assembly into the engine.
Fig 4: Pushing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly Into Engine
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Install the gauging plastic onto the connecting rod journal. Install the gauging plastic the full width of the journal.
9. Install the connecting rod cap with its stamped cylinder number aligned with the stamped cylinder number on the connecting rod.
Fig 5: View Of Connecting Rods
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
10. Install the original connecting rod cap bolts for the plastic gauging. NEW bolts will be used for final assembly.
11. Tighten the bolts in three steps.

    Tighten: 

    1. 1st step 64 N.m (47 lb ft)
    2. 2nd step 30 degrees using J 45059 
    3. 3rd step 30 degrees using J 45059 

12. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts.
13. Compare the width of the gauging plastic with the scale printed on the gauging plastic container. The connecting rod bearing clearance should be 0.10 mm (0.0039 in).
14. Discard the original connecting rod bolts once the plastic gauging is completed. NEW connecting rod bolts will be used for final assembly.
15. Carefully clean the gauging plastic from the bearing surface and the crankpin.
16. Lubricate the connecting rod bearing inserts with engine oil.
17. Install the connecting rod caps with the stamped cylinder number aligned with the stamped cylinder number on the connecting rods.
NOTE: This component uses bolts with a pre-applied molybdenum disulfide coating for thread lubrication. Do not remove the coating or use any additional lubricant. Improperly lubricated threads will adversely affect the bolt torque and clamp load. Improper bolt torque and clamp load can lead to engine damage.
18. Install NEW connecting rod cap bolts.
19. Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts in three steps.

    Tighten: 

    1. 1st step 64 N.m (47 lb ft)
    2. 2nd step 30 degrees using J 45059 
    3. 3rd step 30 degrees using J 45059