Piston & Rod Assembly: Installation
- Check fit of new piston and/or rings in cylinder bore before assembling piston and pin to connecting rod. Install piston on connecting rod. Check piston pin for clearance, etching or wear. New pistons must be installed in cylinder for which they were fitted, used pistons in cylinders from which they were removed.
- Measure cylinder bore diameter. Measure piston diameter (at skirt, across centerline of piston pin). Oil piston rings and cylinder walls. Ensure ring gaps are properly spaced. Install ring compressor on piston. Marked side of rings must be toward top of piston. Position piston with identification marks on rod and cap on same side.
- Install rod bolt guide set or rubber sleeves 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, oil 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 for each piston assembly. After piston/rod assembly is installed, check side clearance of rod on each crankshaft journal.