Connecting Rod: Service and Repair

Fig. 44 Installing Piston Ring:

Fig. 45 Piston Ring End Gap Locations:

Fig. 46 Piston To Cylinder Orientation:

Fig. 47 Installing Piston:

Before replacing the piston and connecting rods, remove carbon from top of cylinder bore. When installing first and second rings, direct marked side of each ring toward top of piston, Fig. 44. The compression ring gap should be staggered and not in line with the oil ring gap, Fig. 45.
Each piston top is stamped with a No. 1 or 2, depending on its outer diameter. A No. 1 stamped piston, outer diameter should be 2.9126-2.9130 inches and a No. 2 stamped piston, outer diameter should be 2.9122-2.9126 inches.
When installing piston and connecting rod assemblies, ensure number on piston top matches cylinder number stamped in block, Fig. 46, and arrows on top of pistons are facing front of engine, crankshaft pulley side, Fig. 47.
Pistons are available in standard sizes and oversizes of .0098 inch and .0196 inch.