Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
Tools Required
- J 8037 /. See Special Tools .J 43953 Piston Ring Compressor. See Special Tools .
- J 45059 Angle Meter. See Special Tools .
- J-43966-1 /. See Special Tools .J 41742 Connecting Rod Guides. See Special Tools .
- Install the connecting rod bearings. Use the proper size bearings.
- Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
- Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
- Install the J-43966-1 /. See Special Tools .J 41742 into the connecting rod bolt holes. See Special Tools . This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
- Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
- Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
- Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
- Install J 8037 /. See Special Tools .J 43953 over the piston. See Special Tools . Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
- The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
- Place the piston in its matching bore.
- Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
- Hold the J 8037 /. See Special Tools .J 43953 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore. See Special Tools .
- Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.
- Install the connecting rod cap.
- Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft), then rotate 100 degrees using J 45059 . See Special Tools .
- Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.
- Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge.
The correct clearance is 0.070-0.370 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).
IMPORTANT:
Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.
NOTE:
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.