Connecting Rod: Service and Repair
REMOVE- Remove the engine and gearbox assembly.
- Remove the gearbox and place the engine on an approved engine stand.
- Remove the cylinder head.
- Remove the oil pan.
Figure 42
- Remove the nuts (1, Fig 42) from the connecting rod bolts.
- Remove the connecting rod cap (2, Fig 42), noting corresponding cylinder numbers (3, Fig 42) on the connecting rod and cap Number 1 cylinder at rear of engine.
INSPECTION
- Check the connecting rods for alignment on a suitable jig.
- Check the bore of the small-end bush.
NOTE: If the small-end bush is worn beyond acceptable limits, a new connecting rod must be fitted, or replacement bushings can be fitted by a reputable machine shop.
REFIT
NOTE: If the original pistons and connecting rods are being reused, they must be replaced in the cylinder bore from which they were removed. If new pistons and connecting rods are being fitted they should be stamped with the number of the bore in which they are to be installed. Number 1 cylinder is at the rear of the engine.
- Fit dry rod bearing shell to dry rod. Then coat bearing with clean oil.
Figure 43
- Fit service tool 18G 55A (1, Fig. 43), or equivalent, to a piston, and fully compress the piston rings.
- Enter the piston into the cylinder bore, ensuring that stamped 'FRONT' on the piston is towards the front of the engine. Use caution not to damage the crankshaft with the rod bolts.
TIP: Spark plug boots from old spark plug wires can be fitted to the connecting rod bolts before inserting the rod/piston into the bore. This will prevent scratching the crankshaft.
- Fit bearing shells to connecting rod and cap, liberally coating them with clean engine oil.
- Fit cap to connecting rod, ensuring that the cylinder numbers stamped on each part are on the same side.
- Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 48.4-50.8 Nm (35.7-37.5 ft lb).
- Repeat for each cylinder in turn.
- Refit the oil pan.
- Refit the cylinder head.
- Refit the engine and gearbox assembly.