Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra and 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply clean engine oil to the following components:
- The piston
- The piston rings
- The cylinder bore
- The bearing surfaces

Fig 1: Compressing The Piston Rings Using J 8037

GM480573

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the J 8037: compressor onto the piston and compress the piston rings.

Fig 2: View Of Piston

GM1792310

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: When assembled, the following reference marks must be addressed; the reference mark on top of the piston (1) must face the front of the engine block. The dimple on the connecting rod (2) must face the front of the engine block on cylinders 2, 4, and 6, and towards the rear of the engine block on cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Wrap a clean, lint free towel around the connecting rod ends when installing the piston into the cylinder so as not to damage the crankshaft journals or cylinder bore.

Check reference marks prior to installation into the block.

Fig 3: View Of Connecting Rod & Piston Assembly

GM909623

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the piston and connecting rod assembly, and the J 8037: compressor into the proper cylinder bore.

Fig 4: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly Into Engine

GM5159

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Use the J 8037: compressor and lightly tap the top of the piston with a wooden hammer handle.
Hold the J 8037: compressor firmly against the engine block until all of the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.

NOTE: The connecting rods and rod bearing caps are NOT interchangeable. Reference the match marks on the connecting rods and the connecting rod bearing caps made in the removal procedure to ensure that they are assembled in their original position and direction, with the connecting rod/rod bearing cap mating surfaces properly oriented and aligned.

Fig 5: View Of Bearing, Bearing Cap & Bolts

GM1360214

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

Install the connecting rod bearing, cap, and bolts.
1. Tighten the bolts evenly on the first pass to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
2. Use the J 45059: meter in order to tighten the bolts on the final pass an additional 100 degrees.

Fig 6: Measuring Connecting Side Clearance

GM5163

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

After the piston and connecting rod assemblies have been installed, lightly tap each connecting rod assembly, parallel to the crankpin, in order to ensure that the connecting rods have side clearance.
Use a feeler gage or a dial indicator to measure the connecting rod side clearance between the connecting rod caps. The connecting rod side clearance should be 0.15-0.44 mm (0.006-0.017 in).