Piston & Connecting Rod: Installation

NOTE: Before installing pistons, and connecting rod assemblies into bore, be sure that compression rings gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap. Before installing ring compressor, make sure oil ring expander ends are butted and rail gaps located.

Immerse piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide ring compressor, over piston. Be sure position of rings does not change during this operation. Install connecting rod bolt protectors on rod bolts. Rotate crankshaft so that connecting rod journal is at bottom of it's stroke and in center of cylinder bore. The arrow on top of piston must be pointing toward front of engine. See Figure.
Install piston assembly from top of block. Tap piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. Guide rod over crankshaft journal. Install rod caps. Install nuts on cleaned and oiled rod bolts and tighten nuts to 85 N.m (62.5 ft. lbs.). Install windage tray and oil pan. Install cylinder heads.