Piston & Rod Assembly: Installation
- New pistons must be installed in the cylinder for which they were fitted. Install used pistons in the cylinder from which they were removed.
- Coat piston, rings and cylinder wall with engine oil. Make sure ring gaps are properly spaced. See Fig 1 .
- Marked side of compression rings must be toward top of piston. Position piston so that identification numbers on rod face water pump. Arrow on piston should face front of engine.
- Cover rod bolts using sleeve or hose to protect cylinder walls and crankshaft. Compress piston rings using a ring compressor.
- Install piston in bore by tapping lightly with a plastic hammer. Install bearings in rods and caps. Install connecting rod caps and nuts.