Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Tools Required

• J 8037  Ring Compressor. See Special Tools .
• J 45059  (SA 9140E) Angle Meter. See Special Tools .
• J-43966  Connecting Rod Guide. See Special Tools .

Fig 1: Lubricating Piston Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The piston and cylinder bore have been measured and the bore has been sized for the proper clearance. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the proper cylinder bore. The piston alignment mark MUST face the front of the engine block.
1. Lightly lubricate the following components with clean engine oil:
   • The piston
   • The piston rings
   • The cylinder bore
   • The bearing surfaces
2. Stagger the oil control ring end gaps a minimum of 90 degrees.
3. Stagger the compression ring end gaps a minimum of 25 mm (1.0 in).
4. Install the J 8037  onto the piston and compress the piston rings. See Special Tools .
5. Install the J-43966  (J 41742-SAT2) into the connecting rod. See Special Tools .
Fig 2: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly Into Cylinder
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The piston alignment mark MUST be facing the front of the engine block.
6. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the proper cylinder bore.
IMPORTANT: When installing the pistons into the cylinder bore, make sure not to contact the piston oil nozzle with the connecting rod. Failure to do so may damage the piston oil nozzle, resulting in potential engine damage.
7. Hold the piston ring compressor firmly against the engine block. Using a wooden hammer handle, lightly tap the top of the piston until all of the piston rings enter the cylinder bore.
Fig 3: Installing Bearing, Bearing Cap And Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Using J-43966  , guide the connecting rod end onto the crankshaft journal. See Special Tools .
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
9. Install the bearing, bearing cap and bolts.

   Tighten: 

   1. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts a first pass to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
   2. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts a final pass to 110 degrees using the J 45059  (SA 9140E). See Special Tools .

Fig 4: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. With the pistons and connecting rods installed, use a soft faced mallet and lightly tap each connecting rod assembly parallel to the crankpin to make sure that the rods have side clearance.
11. Measure the connecting rod side clearance using a feeler gage or dial indicator. Connecting rod side clearance should be within 0.18-0.44 mm (0.007-0.017 in).