61. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

- Tools Required
- J8037 Piston Ring Compressor
- J8087 Cylinder Bore Gauge

Piston Selection





Important: The coating on the piston allows for an interference fit between the cylinder and the bore. The piston diameter can NOT be measured accurately because the piston coating is not a consistent thickness. Do NOT measure the piston diameter.

To select the correct piston for installation, the cylinder bore must be measured. If the cylinder bore diameter is within service specifications, install the original piston/connecting rod assembly or a new, standard size piston/connecting rod assembly. A used piston/connecting rod assembly may be reinstalled if, after cleaning and inspection, the piston is not damaged. If the cylinder bore is NOT within specifications, the cylinder must be resized to accept a new, oversized piston.





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

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. Important: When installing the piston/connecting rod assembly, NEW connecting rod nuts must be installed.





10. Install the new connecting rod nuts.
Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 90 degrees.





11. Once the piston and connecting rod assemblies have been installed, lightly tap each connecting rod assembly (parallel to the crankpins) 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 0.384 - 0.686 mm (0.0151 - 0.0270 inch).