Installation Procedure

Important:  The piston and cylinder bore have been measured and the bore has been sized for the proper clearance. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the proper cylinder bore.

The piston alignment mark MUST face the front of the engine block.

1. Lightly lubricate the following components with clean engine oil:
   • The piston
   • The piston rings
   • The cylinder bore
   • The bearing surfaces
2. Stagger the oil control ring end gaps a minimum of 90 degrees.
3. Stagger the compression ring end gaps a minimum of 25 mm (1.0 in).
4. Install the J 41556  to the connecting rod.
5. Install the J 8037  onto the piston and compress the piston rings.
   Fig 1: Lubricating Piston, Piston Rings & Bearings

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Important:  The piston alignment mark MUST facing the front of the engine block.

6. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the proper cylinder bore.
   1. Hold the piston ring compressor firmly against the engine block. Using a wooden hammer handle, lightly tap the top of the piston until all of the piston rings enter the cylinder bore.
   2. Use the J 41556  to guide the connecting rod end onto the crankshaft journal.
      Fig 2: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly

      Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Remove the J 41556  .
   Fig 3: Removing J 41556

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

   Important:  Position the connecting rod cap onto the connecting rod properly.

   Align the flat side of the connecting rod cap with the flat side of the connecting rod.

8. Install the bearing, cap, and bolts.

   Tighten 

   1. Tighten the bolts a first pass evenly to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
   2. Tighten the bolts a final pass to 75 degrees using the J 36660-A  .
      Fig 4: Installing Bearing, Cap & Bolts

      Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Inspect the connecting rods for proper orientation onto the crankshaft journal.
10. With the pistons and connecting rods installed, use a soft faced mallet and lightly tap each connecting rod assembly parallel to the crankpin to make sure that the rods have side clearance.
11. Measure the connecting rod side clearance using a feeler gage or a dial indicator. Connecting rod side clearance should be within 0.11-0.51 mm (0.0043-0.02 in).
    Fig 5: Inspecting Connecting Rods For Proper Orientation

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.