New Connecting Rod, Separating

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New connecting rods may not be separated at the location where they should be. If the connecting rod bearing cap cannot be removed by hand, proceed as follows:

-- Mark which cylinder the connecting rod belongs to, see "Connecting Rod Cap" in item: 4.

-- Lightly clamp the connecting rod in a vise equipped with aluminum protective jaw pads.

Fig 1: Identifying Connecting Rod Clamped In Vise Equipped With Aluminum Protective Pads

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Only clamp the connecting rod lightly to avoid damaging it.

Clamp the connecting rod below the dotted line.

-- Loosen both bolts -arrows- about five turns.

-- Carefully tap against the connecting rod bearing cap in the direction of the -arrow- with a plastic mallet until the cap is loose.

Fig 2: Identifying Direction To Carefully Tap Against Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.