Cylinder Block: Piston & Rod Assembly: Installation

1. Check fit of new piston and/or rings in cylinder bore before assembling piston and pin to connecting rod. Check piston pin for clearance, etching or wear. Install pistons on connecting rods. See Fig 1 .
2. Oil piston rings and cylinder walls with light coat of engine oil. Ensure ring gaps are properly spaced on piston and install ring compressor on piston. See Fig 2 .
3. After bearings have been inserted, apply oil to journals and bearings. Install rod bolt protectors before installing piston and rod assembly in bore. Turn crankshaft throw to bottom of its stroke. Tap gently with wooden handle to insert piston/rod assembly into cylinder bore. Guide piston/rod assembly over crankshaft journal until rod bearing seats.
4. Match rod cap to rod and install cap. Tighten cap nuts in two steps. Repeat procedure for each piston assembly. After piston/rod assembly is installed, check side clearance between connecting rods on each crankshaft journal.

Fig 1: Piston and Connecting Rod Index Mark Locations W/ arrow forward, numbers on right are for right bank, and left for left bank.

Fig 2: Piston Ring Gap Spacing Check that gaps are properly spaced and that marks face up.