Engine Assembly

Fig. 2 Valve & valve components:

Cylinder Head Assembly

1. Install valves and valve components in order shown, Fig. 2. Apply clean engine oil to valve stem and lip of valve oil seal.

Piston & Rod Assembly

1. Assemble pistons, piston pins and connecting rods of designated cylinders. Apply clean engine oil to piston and small end of connecting rod before pressing pin into rod.
2. Install piston rings. Ensure identification marks on rings face upward. Install outer valve spring with narrow pitch side toward cylinder head.
3. Install camshaft and camshaft oil seal. Apply clean engine oil to seal prior to installation.
4. Install rocker shaft assembly.

Engine Assembly

1. Install main bearings in proper position on cylinder block. The No. 3 bearing is the only one of the flanged type.
2. Apply clean engine oil to main bearing surfaces on both sides of cylinder block and caps.

Fig. 5 Main bearing cap bolt tightening sequence. 1985-88:

3. Install crankshaft, then the lower main bearings and caps. Torque bolts to specifications in two or three steps in sequence shown, Fig. 5. Ensure crankshaft turns smoothly.
4. Measure crankshaft endplay and ensure it is within specifications.

Fig. 6 Piston & connecting rod assembly:

Fig. 7 Piston ring installation:

5. Install lubricated piston and rod assemblies into corresponding cylinders. Assemble so that front mark on piston head, Fig. 6, faces front of engine. Set piston rings as shown in Fig. 7.
6. Install connecting rod bearing caps and torque cap nuts to specifications. Ensure cylinder numbers face in same direction.

Fig. 17 Engine outer components. 200SX w/CA20E engine:

Fig. 12 Distributor installation:

7. Install engine outer components, Fig. 17. Install distributor as positioned in Fig. 12.