Connecting Rod: Service and Repair

1. Piston must be mounted onto connecting rod so mark indicating front of engine on piston is aligned with side of connecting rod that faces front of engine.
2. Coat piston wrist pin with clean engine oil.

Fig. 50 Piston Wrist Pin Press:

3. Press piston wrist pin into place, Fig. 50.
4. Check for binding.

Fig. 51 Piston Ring Gap Positions:

5. Install expander ring, lower oil control ring and upper control ring with manufacturers markings facing up, piston rings must be staggered as shown, Fig. 51.
6. Lubricate cylinder wall and piston rings with clean engine oil.
7. Position crankshaft at bottom dead center.
8. Install connecting rod thread protectors.
9. Install piston with marking on top toward front of engine.
10. Carefully guide connecting rod into block, avoiding damage to crankshaft journal.
11. Remove thread protectors.
12. Tighten to specifications.