71. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

^ Tools Required
- J 5239 Guide Set
- J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor





1. Coat the following components with clean engine oil:
^ The piston
^ The piston rings
^ The cylinder bore
^ The bearing surfaces
2. Install the J 5239 onto the connecting rod.





Notice: Do not shim, scrape, or file bearing inserts. Do not touch the bearing surface of the insert with bare fingers. Skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

Important: The mark on the top of the piston must face the front of the engine block. When assembled, the flanges on the connecting rod and cap should face to the front of block on the left bank and to the rear of block on the right bank.

3. Install the piston, connecting rod and upper connecting rod bearing through the top of the engine block using the J 5239.





4. Install the J 8037 onto the piston and compress the piston rings.
5. Use the J 8037 and the J 5239 and lightly tap the top of the piston with a wooden hammer handle.
6. Hold the J 8037 firmly against the engine block until all of the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.





7. Use the J 5239 in order to guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft journal.
8. Remove the J 5239.





Notice: Do not shim, scrape, or file bearing inserts. Do not touch the bearing surface of the insert with bare fingers. Skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

9. Install the connecting rod cap and lower connecting rod bearing.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

10. Install the connecting rod nuts.
^ Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 64 Nm (47 ft. lbs.).





11. Once the piston and connecting rod assemblies have been installed, lightly tap each connecting rod assembly (parallel to the crankpin) in order to make sure that they have side clearance.
12. Use a feeler gauge or a dial indicator to measure the side clearance between the connecting rod caps. The rod side clearance should be 0.033 - 0.584 mm (0.0013 - 0.0230 inch).