Piston Installation
Piston InstallationIf the Crankshaft is Already Installed
1. Set the crankshaft to bottom dead center (BDC) for each cylinder.
2. Apply new engine oil to the piston, inside the ring compressor, and the cylinder bore. Then attach the ring compressor to the piston.
3. Remove the connecting rod caps, then check that the bearing is securely in place.
4. Position the arrow (A) facing the cam chain side of the engine.
5. Position the piston in the cylinder, and tap it in using the wooden handle of a hammer (A). Maintain downward force on the ring compressor (B) to prevent the rings from expanding before entering the cylinder bore.
6. Stop after the ring compressor pops free, and check the connecting rod-to-crank journal alignment before pushing the piston into place.
7. Check the connecting rod bearing clearance with plastigauge.
8. Apply new engine oil to the threads of the connecting rod bolts.
9. Install the rod caps with bearings, then tighten the connecting rod bolts in sequence to 25 Nm (2.5 kgf-m, 18 ft. lbs.).
10. Tighten the connecting rod bolts an additional 90°.
If the Crankshaft is Not Installed
1. Apply new engine oil to the piston, inside the ring compressor, and the cylinder bore. Then attach the ring compressor to the piston.
2. Remove the connecting rod caps, then check that the bearing is securely in place.
3. Position the arrow (A) facing the cam chain side of the engine.
4. Position the piston in the cylinder, and tap it in using the wooden handle of a hammer (A). Maintain downward force on the ring compressor (B) to prevent the rings from expanding before entering the cylinder bore.
5. Position all pistons at top dead center.