Piston & Rod Assembly
- Remove cylinder head and oil pan as previously outlined. Bend lock tabs away from connecting rod bolts and remove bolts. Remove rod cap with bearing and push piston and rod assembly out toward top of engine.
- Before installing, thoroughly lubricate cylinder liner and piston. Separate ring gaps approximately 120° apart but do not align ring gap on thrust side of piston or with piston pin hole. Install bearing half in connecting rod.
- Using a suitable ring compressor (49 0221 201), install piston and rod from top. Install piston in cylinder with "F" mark (next to piston pin hole) toward front of engine.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Install bearing half in rod cap and install cap with numbers on cap and rod aligned on same side. Tighten rod bolts to specifications and bend up lock tabs. Check connecting rod side play. Install remaining components as previously outlined.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.