Piston & Connecting Rod: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Jeep Wrangler. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Before installing pistons and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, be sure that compression ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
- Before installing the ring compressor, make sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail gaps located as shown in (Fig 1). As viewed from top.
- Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston (Fig 2). Be sure position of rings does not change during this operation.
- The directional stamp on the piston should face toward the front of the engine.
- Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert rod and piston assembly into cylinder bore and guide rod over the crankshaft journal.
- Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting rod into position on connecting rod journal.
- Before installing the NEW bolts the threads should be coated with clean engine oil.
- Install each bolt finger tight than alternately torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
- Tighten the bolts to 54 N.m PLUS 1/4 turn (40 ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).
- Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance (Fig 3).
NOTE:
The connecting rod cap bolts should not be reused.
CAUTION:
Do not use a torque wrench for second part of last step.