Piston & Rod Assembly
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
- Remove cylinder heads and oil pan. See CYLINDER HEAD and OIL PAN under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove cylinder ridge. Mark connecting rod and cap for cylinder identification and remove rod cap.
- Note front mark on piston and connecting rod. See Fig 1. Mark is positioned toward timing belt side of engine. Remove rod and piston assembly.
- Piston ring end gap and side clearance must be within specification. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Install rings onto piston with ring code identification marks toward top of piston. Top ring is marked 1R, and No. 2 ring is marked 2R. Lubricate piston, rings, and cylinder bore with engine oil.NOTE: Front mark "R" on piston indicates installation in cylinders No. 1, 3, and 5; front mark "L" indicates installation in cylinders No. 2, 4, and 6. Ensure front mark on piston and connecting rod are toward timing belt side of engine. See Fig 1.
- Distribute ring end gaps properly around piston. See Fig 1. Install piston and rod into cylinder bore, with front mark toward timing belt side of engine.
- Measure bearing clearance using Plastigage. Tighten rod cap nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Connecting rod must move freely on crankshaft. Measure connecting rod side play. Repair or replace connecting rod if not within specification. See CONNECTING RODS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.