Piston & Connecting Rod: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before installing piston and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, install the piston rings. (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE) .
Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil. Position a ring compressor over the piston and rings. Tighten ring compressor. Ensure position of rings do not change during this operation.
Position bearing onto connecting rod. Lubricate bearing surface with clean engine oil.
Install Special Tool 8507 Connecting Rod Guides into connecting rod bolt threads.

Fig 1: Piston Direction Arrow
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
The pistons are marked on the piston pin bore surface with an raised "F" or arrow on top of piston indicating installation position. This mark must be pointing toward the front of engine on both cylinder banks.
Wipe cylinder bore clean and lubricate with engine oil.
Rotate crankshaft until connecting rod journal is on the center of cylinder bore. Insert rod and piston into cylinder bore and carefully position connecting rod guides over crankshaft journal.
Tap piston down in cylinder bore using a hammer handle. While at the same time, guide connecting rod into position on rod journal.

Fig 2: Connecting Rod R+I
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - WIDE SIDE

2 - NARROW SIDE

CAUTION: Connecting Rod Bolts are Torque to Yield Bolts and Must Not Be Reused. Always replace the Rod Bolts whenever they are loosened or removed.
Lubricate rod bolts and bearing surfaces with engine oil. Install connecting rod cap and bearing. Tighten bolts to 21 N.m (15 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° turn.
Install the following components:
- Cylinder head(s). (Refer to ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION) .
- Cylinder head covers. (Refer to ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) ).
- Install the intake manifold.
- Oil pan and gasket/windage tray. (Refer to ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION) .
Fill crankcase with proper engine oil to correct level.
Connect negative cable to battery.