31. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Removal

1. Note the orientation of paired connecting rods on each crankpin. The notches in the connecting rod cap must be facing each other.





2. Before removing the connecting rods, check the connecting rod end play using the following procedure:
2.1. Tap the connecting rod to one end of the crankshaft journal with a dead-blow or wooden hammer.
2.2. Using feeler gages, measure the clearance between the crankshaft counterweight and the connecting rod.
2.3. The connecting rod end play should not exceed 0.050 mm (0.020 inch).
2.4. If the end play exceeds the specified limits, measure the width of the crankpin end of the connecting rod.
2.5. The width of the crankpin end of the connecting rod should be 21.745 - 21.S05 mm (0.856 - 0.858 inch).
2.6. If the connecting rod width is significantly smaller than specified and severe wear is present on the side of the connecting rod, replace the connecting rod.
2.7. If the connecting rod width is within specification and excessive scoring is present on the crankshaft journals, replace the crankshaft.
3. Using a marker, number each piston face. Draw an arrow along the centerline of the piston pointing toward the front of the engine.
4. Mark the cylinder number on the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap with scribe or marker. The connecting rod caps must remain with the original connecting rod.

Notice: Powdered metal connecting rods have rod bolts which yield when torqued. If the rod bolts are removed, replace the rod bolts.

5. Remove the connecting rod bolts. Discard the bolts.





6. Remove the connecting rod cap.
7. Push the connecting rod and the piston assembly down through the top of the cylinder. Do not scratch the crankshaft journal or the cylinder wall when removing the connecting rod and the piston assembly.
8. Remove the connecting rod bearings. NEVER re-use the connecting rod bearings. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect for inspection.
9. Reattach the connecting rod cap to the connecting to prevent damage to their mating surfaces. The cap and rod are a matched set and must be kept together.