Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

36. Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble



Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble





1. Assemble the piston and connecting rod with the lug (1) on the bottom of the piston and the tab (2) on the side of the connecting rod facing the same direction. When installing the piston and connecting rod assembly, the mark on the top of the piston and the tab (2) on the side of the connecting rod should face the front of the engine.





2. Install the retainer. The retainer should be seated in the groove of the pin bore.





3. Install the piston pin to the piston and connecting rod.
4. Install the retainer. The retainer should be seated in the groove of the pin bore.





5. Important: When installing piston rings, use a ring expander plier type tool. Do not roll the rings into the grooves of the piston. Use caution and care to expand the rings only slightly larger than the outside diameter (OD) of the piston.

Using piston ring pliers, install the piston rings onto the piston. Install the compression rings with the orientation mark facing the top of the piston.
6. Position the oil control ring end gaps a minimum of 25 mm (1.0 inch) from each other.
7. Position the compression ring end gaps 180 degrees opposite each other.





8. Install the connecting rod bearings to the rod and cap.