Disassembly and Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Infiniti QX56. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Explained here is how to disassemble with engine stand supporting transmission surface. When using different type of engine stand, some steps may be different.

Remove engine assembly and mount to engine stand. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
CAUTION: Before removing the hanging chains, make sure engine stand is stable and there is no risk of overturning.
Drain engine oil. Refer to "CHANGING ENGINE OIL ".
Drain engine coolant by removing the cylinder block drain plugs "A", "B", "C" and "D" as shown.

Fig 1: Identifying Cylinder Block Drain Plug
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the following components and associated parts (the parts referred to in step 1 are not included here).
- Oil pan (upper and lower) and oil strainer. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
- Crankshaft pulley, front cover and timing chain. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
- Camshaft. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
- Cylinder head. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove knock sensor and sub harness.
CAUTION: Carefully handle sensor, avoiding shocks.

Fig 2: Identifying Knock Sensor And Sub-Harness
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check connecting rod side clearance. Refer to "INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ".
Remove piston and connecting rod assembly as follows.
1. Position the crankshaft pin corresponding to the connecting rod to be removed onto bottom dead center.
2. Remove connecting rod cap.
3. Push the piston and connecting rod assembly out to the cylinder head side using suitable tool.
  
  Fig 3: Pushing Connecting Rod Assembly Out To Cylinder Head
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove connecting rod bearings.
CAUTION: When removing them, note the installation position. Keep them in the correct order.
Check piston ring side clearance. Refer to "INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ".
Remove piston rings from piston using suitable tool.
CAUTION:
- Do not damage piston.
- Do not damage piston rings by expanding them excessively.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Piston Rings From Piston
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove piston from connecting rod as follows.
1. Remove snap ring using suitable tool.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Snap Ring
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
2. Heat piston to 60° to 70°C (140° to 158°F) using suitable tool.
  
  Fig 6: Heating Piston
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
3. Push out piston pin using suitable tool.
  
  Fig 7: Pushing Out Piston Pin
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Separate and remove rear oil seal retainer from cylinder block.
CAUTION: Do not damage mating surface.
Remove rear oil seal from rear oil seal retainer.
Measure the crankshaft side clearance. Refer to "INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ".
Remove main bearing caps as follows:
- Loosen bolts in several different steps.
1. Loosen side bolts (M10) starting from 30 to 21 to remove.
2. Loosen main bearing cap sub bolts (M9) starting from 20 to 11 to remove.
3. Loosen main bearing cap bolts (M12) starting from 10 to 1 to remove.
  
  Fig 8: Identifying Main Bearing Caps
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Remove main bearing cap.
  - Insert bolts (2) into bolt holes, and then remove main bearing cap by lifting up and shaking forward and backward.
    
    Fig 9: Inserting Bolts Into Bolt Holes
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove crankshaft.
Remove the main bearings and thrust bearings from the cylinder block and main bearing caps.
- When removing them, note the installation position. Keep them in the correct order.
Remove pilot converter using Tool if necessary.
Tool number : ST16610001 (J-23907)

Fig 10: Removing Pilot Converter
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.