Piston, Connecting Rod, Bearing Installation

^ Tools Required - J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor, or equivalent.





1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use the proper size bearings.
a. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
b. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.





2. Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
a. Slide a piece of 3/8" fuel or vacuum hose over the connecting rod bolts. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
b. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
c. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
d. Install piston ring compressor over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
e. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
f. Place the piston in its matching bore.
g. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the crankshaft while tapping the piston into place.
h. Hold the piston ring compressor against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
i. Remove the vacuum hose from the connecting rod bolts.





3. Install the connecting rod cap.
4. Install the connecting rod bolt nuts.
a. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 52 Nm (38 ft. lbs.).
b. Loosen the connecting rod bolt nuts 1 full turn.
c. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 52 Nm (38 ft. lbs.).





5. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gage. The correct clearance is 0.10-0.38 mm (0.0039-0.149 inches).
6. Install the oil pan.
7. Install the cylinder head.