Pistons and Connecting Rods

PISTONS AND CONNECTING RODS













Tool Required: J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor



Install or Connect
1. Lubricate cylinder wall and piston rings with clean engine oil.
2. Turn crankshaft to bottom dead center.
3. Connecting rod stud thread protector (Figure 22).
4. J 8037 Piston ring compressor (Figure 66).

NOTICE: Guide the lower connecting rod end carefully to avoid damaging the crankshaft journal.

5. Piston (86) and connecting rod (83) assembly.

Important: Make sure that the arrow on top of the piston faces towards the front of the engine (Figure 66).

6. Remove thread protectors.
7. Connecting rod bearings (82).
Refer to "Main Bearing and Connecting Rod Bearing Selection".

NOTICE: In order to prevent the possibility of rod bolt or bearing cap damage, the bearing caps may need to be tapped into position with a brass or leather mallet before attaching nuts are installed. Do not use attaching nuts to pull bearing caps onto rod. Failure to observe this information may damage a rod bolt or bearing cap.

8. Seat the bearing caps (81) by pushing on by hand or by carefully tapping it lightly with a suitable tool.
9. Bearing cap nuts (80).
Tighten Cap nuts (80) to 52 N.m (38 lb. ft.).


Inspect
^ Pry the connecting rod back and forth with a suitable tool and check for binding. If necessary, loosen and retighten the bearing cap.

Measure
^ Connecting rod side clearance (Figure 67).