Piston and Connecting Rod - Installation

INSTALLATION










NOTE: Pistons and connecting rods are serviced as an assembly. There is a right bank assembly and a left bank assembly.

NOTE: Inspect piston surfaces for nicks, scuffs or hot spots (polished raised material). Debur or replace as necessary.

CAUTION: When the piston (2) is installed in the engine, the flat spot (1) must be towards the rear of the engine.

1. Install piston rings Piston Ring(s) - Installation.

NOTE: Make sure piston rings rotate freely in grooves before piston installation.

2. Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston. Be sure position of rings does not change during this operation.





3. Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is at the bottom of it's stroke and in the center of the cylinder bore.
4. The arrow on top of piston (1) must be pointing toward front of engine.






NOTE: When installing piston and rod assembly, be sure the large flange (1) faces the crankshaft.

5. Install new connecting rod bearing in connecting rod and rod cap and apply engine assembly lube to bearing surfaces.





6. Install piston assembly from the top of the block. Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. Guide the rod over the crankshaft journal.






CAUTION: Verify correct rod installation or engine damage could result. The large cut out (1) in the rod must face the crankshaft. The small cut out (2) must face the other rod. The odd bank pistons are marked "odd", while the even bank pistons have no markings.

7. Position rod cap in place and ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly seated on the connecting rod. Install connecting rod bolts by hand. Bolt threads should be clean and free of engine oil.
8. Tighten connecting rod bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.). Rotate an additional 45°.





9. Install the crankshaft oil scraper.
10. Install swing oil pump pick-up tube assembly Removal and Replacement
11. Install oil pan Engine Oil Pan - Installation.
12. Install cylinder heads Cylinder Head - Installation.