52. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

^ Tools Required
- J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
- J 45059 Angle Meter
- J 43966-1 Connecting Rod Guides





1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use NEW bearings.
1. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
2. Install the J-43966-1 into the connecting rod bolt holes. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
3. Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
1. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
2. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
3. Install J 8037 over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
4. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
5. Place the piston in its matching bore.
6. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
7. Hold the J 8037 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
8. Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.





4. Important: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.

Install the connecting rod cap.

5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts.
^ Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.), plus 100 degrees using the J 45059.
6. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.





7. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge.The correct clearance is 0.070 - 0.370 mm (0.0027 - 0.0145 inch).