Piston & Rod Assembly: Installation
- Check fit of new piston and/or rings in cylinder bore before assembling piston and pin to rod. Check piston pin for clearance, etching or wear. New pistons must be installed in cylinder for which they were fitted. Install used pistons in cylinder from which they were removed.
- Measure cylinder bore diameter, than measure piston diameter (with rod and pin removed) at skirt across centerline of piston pin. Standard fitted piston clearance is .0007-.0017" (.018-.043 mm). Maximum fitted piston clearance is .0027" (.069 mm).
- Oil piston rings and cylinder walls. Ensure ring gaps are properly spaced. Install ring compressor on piston. Marked side of compression rings must be toward top of piston. Position piston so that identification numbers on rod and cap are on same side.
- Install rod bolt protectors before installing piston and rod assembly in bore. Tap gently with wooden handle to insert piston/rod assembly into cylinder bore.
- After bearings have been inserted, apply oil to journals and bearings. Ensure oil hole in bearing aligns with oil hole in rod. Turn crankshaft throw to bottom of stroke. Guide piston/rod assembly over crankshaft journal until rod bearing seats.
- Remove rod bolt protectors. Match rod cap to rod and install. Tighten cap nuts in two steps. Repeat procedure for each piston assembly. After piston/rod assembly is installed, check side clearance of connecting rod on each crankshaft journal.