Piston, Connecting Rod, And Bearing Removal

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Fig 1: Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout	Component Name
Preliminary Procedure NOTE: Many internal engine components will develop specific wear patterns on their friction surfaces. Components MUST be separated, marked, or organized in a way to ensure installation to their original location and position. Take precautions in order to prevent interchanging of parts. Tag or mark each part immediately when removed. Indicate location, direction, or orientation when necessary. Before removing the connecting rods, check the connecting rod side clearance using the following procedure: Tap the connecting rod to one end of the crankshaft journal with a dead-blow or wooden hammer. Using feeler gauges, measure the clearance between the crankshaft counterweight and the connecting rod. The connecting rod side clearance should not exceed specifications. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications If the end play exceeds the specified limits, measure the width of the crankpin end of the connecting rod. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection . If the connecting rod width is significantly smaller than specified and severe wear is present on the side of the connecting rod, replace the connecting rod. If the connecting rod width is within specification and excessive scoring is present on the crankshaft journals, replace the crankshaft. NOTE: An arrow/dot showing proper piston orientation is located on the top of the piston. Using a marker, number each piston face. Draw an arrow along the centerline of the piston pointing toward the front of the engine. CAUTION: Do not use a stamp, punch or any other method that may distort or stress the connecting rod or connecting rod cap. Extensive engine damage may result from a connecting rod that is distorted or stressed. Mark the cylinder number on the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap with a scribe, paint stick or permanent marker.
1	Connecting Rod Bolt (Qty: 8) CAUTION: Powdered metal connecting rods have rod bolts which yield when torqued. If the rod bolts are loosened or removed the rod bolts must be replaced. Rod bolts that are not replaced will not torque to the correct clamp load and can lead to serious engine damage. Procedure DO NOT use the bolts for reinstallation. The bolts may be used to keep the parts together and for inspection and specification measurements.
2	Connecting Rod Assembly (Qty: 4) NOTE: The connecting rod caps must remain with the original connecting rod. The caps must be oriented identical to original installation. Procedure Mark the side of the rod with a line that crosses the interface of the rod and cap. Use this line to ensure that the cap and rod are reinstalled in the same orientation.
3	Connecting Rod Bearing (Qty: 4) NOTE: If the connecting rod bearings have been used in a running engine, you must replace them with NEW connecting rod bearings for reassembly.
4	Connecting Rod Bearing (Qty: 4) NOTE: If the connecting rod bearings have been used in a running engine, you must replace them with NEW connecting rod bearings for reassembly.
5	Connecting Rod Assembly (Qty: 4) NOTE: Piston assembly attached. Procedure Using the EN-51454 guides, push the connecting rod and piston assembly through the top of the cylinder. DO NOT scratch the crankshaft journal or cylinder wall and DO NOT damage the oil jets when removing the connecting rod and piston assembly. Special Tools EN-51454 Connecting Rod Guides For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .