Connecting Rod: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE





1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

2. Depressurize the fuel system. Refer to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in Powertrain Management.
3. Drain the cooling system. Recover the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Cooling System.
4. Remove the cylinder head. Refer to the following procedures:
- Cylinder Head Replacement (Left)
- Cylinder Head Replacement (Right)
5. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.
6. Mark the piston with the number of the cylinder from which it is being removed.
7. Mark the connecting rod and the rod cap so that they can be assembled correctly.
8. Turn the crankshaft to bottom dead center.
9. Clean the carbon from the top end of the cylinder.
10. Remove the connecting rod cap. Installation Procedure Tools Required J 8037 Universal Piston Ring Compressor
1. Lubricate the cylinder wall. Lubricate the piston rings. Use clean engine oil.
2. Turn the crankshaft to bottom dead center.
3. Install the connecting rod stud thread protector.

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

4. Install the J 8037





5. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly.
6. Remove the thread protectors.
7. Install the connecting rod bearing.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that the arrow on the top of the piston faces towards the front of the engine.

8. Seat the bearing caps.

IMPORTANT: Carefully tap the bearing cap into place with a suitable tool. Do not pull the cap down with the cap bolts or nuts.

9. Install the rod bearing cap nuts..
^ Tighten the rod cap nuts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.). Use the J 36660 in order to tighten the nuts an additional 75 degrees.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

10. Check the connecting rod for binding. Pry the rod back and forth with a suitable tool. Loosen the bearing cap if the rod binds. Retighten the bearing cap.
11. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.
12. Install the cylinder head. Refer to the following procedures:
- Cylinder Head Replacement (Left)
- Cylinder Head Replacement (Right)
13. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Cooling System.
14. Connect the negative battery cable.