63. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation
The contents of this article have been updated by TSB # 07-06-01-002 dated 3/5/2007.Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation
^ Tools Required
- J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
- J 8087 Cylinder Bore Gage
- J 41556 Connecting Rod Guide
- J 45059 Angle Meter
Piston Selection
1. Important: Measurements of all components should be taken with the components at normal room temperature. For proper piston fit, the engine block cylinder bores must not have excessive wear or taper. A used piston, pin, and connecting rod assembly may be installed, if after inspection, is within specifications.
With a micrometer at a right angle, measure the piston outside diameter (OD). Measure the diameter 43 mm (1.69 in) from the top of the piston.
2. Record the piston OD.
3. Adjust the micrometer to the recorded piston OD.
4. Insert the J 8087 into the micrometer and zero the gage dial.
5. Using the J 8087, measure the cylinder bore inside diameter (ID). Measure at a point 64 mm (2.5 in) from the top of the cylinder.
6. Record the cylinder bore ID.
7. Subtract the piston OD from the cylinder bore ID to determine the piston-to-bore clearance.
8. If the proper clearance cannot be obtained, select another piston, pin, and connecting rod assembly and again measure the clearances. If the proper fit cannot be obtained, the cylinder bore may require honing for an oversize piston.
Piston, Pin, and Connecting Rod Installation
1. Lightly lubricate the following components with clean engine oil:
^ Piston (107)
^ Piston rings
^ Cylinder bore
^ Bearings (104) and bearing surfaces
2. Position the oil control ring end gaps a minimum of 25 mm (1.0 in) from each other.
3. Position the compression ring end gaps 180 degrees opposite each other.
4. Install the J 41556 to the connecting rod.
5. Install the J 8037 onto the piston and compress the piston rings.
6. Important: The piston alignment mark MUST face the front of the engine block.
Install the piston, pin, and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder bore. Hold the piston ring compressor firmly against the engine block. Using a wooden hammer handle, lightly tap the top of the piston until all the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.
7. Use the J 41556 to guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft journal.
8. Remove the J 41556 from the connecting rod.
9. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Important: The connecting rod and cap must be assembled with the mating surfaces properly aligned.
Install the bearing cap, bearing half, and bolts.
1. Tighten the bolts first pass to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
2. Tighten the bolts final pass to 85 degrees using the J 45059.
10. Measure the connecting rods for the proper side clearance.