Piston and Connecting Rod Assembly Installation Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 29789 Piston Ring Compressor
- J 39946 Crankshaft Rotation Socket
- J 36660 Torque/Angle Meter






1. Liberally lubricate the cylinder walls, piston rings and piston skirts with engine oil.
2. Select the correctly numbered piston/connecting rod assembly for the cylinder. An arrow (9) showing proper piston orientation is located on the top of the piston.

IMPORTANT: If the connecting rod bearings have been used in a running engine, you must replace them with NEW connecting rod bearings for reassembly.

3. Coat the crankshaft bearing journal and installed connecting rod bearings with GM crankshaft prelude, GM P/N 1052367.
4. Compress the piston rings using the J 29789 or equivalent.

IMPORTANT: Extreme care must be exercised when installing the piston and connecting rod in order to be sure the rod does not scrape or nick the cylinder bore or the crankshaft surfaces.






5. Using both hands, slowly guide the piston and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder from the top and bottom of the cylinder. DO NOT allow the connecting rod to contact the cylinder wall.





6. When the piston ring compressor contacts the deck surface, gently tap the piston into the cylinder using the handle end of a dead-blow hammer. Guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft bearing journal while tapping the piston into the cylinder.