Connecting Rod: Service and Repair
REMOVAL PROCEDURENOTICE: Modifications made to the engine or its individual components can effect the vehicle's emission controls and may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Check Engine, or Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate. Modifications may also cause the vehicle to fail a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
^ Tools Required
- J 24270 Cylinder Bore Ridge Reamer
- J 41507 Connecting Rod Assembly Guide
1. Remove the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement (Left Front) and/or Cylinder Head Replacement (Right Rear).
2. Clean the carbon from the top end of the cylinder.
3. Use the following procedure in order to remove the ring ridge, as necessary:
3.1. Turn the crankshaft until the piston is at Bottom Dead Center (BDC).
3.2. Place a cloth on top of the piston.
3.3. Use the J 24270 in order to remove the piston ring ridge.
3.4. Turn the crankshaft so that the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC).
3.5. Remove the cloth and cutting debris.
NOTICE: If there is a pronounced ridge at the top of the piston travel, the ridge must be removed with a ridge reamer before the piston and connecting rod assembly are removed. Applying force may break the piston rings or damage the piston.
4. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.
5. Turn the crankshaft to BDC.
6. Mark the piston with the number of the cylinder from which it is being removed.
7. Mark the connecting rod and the rod cap so that they can be assembled correctly.
8. Remove the connecting rod bolts.
9. Remove the connecting rod cap and lower connecting rod bearing.
10. Install the J 41507 on the connecting rod.
11. Remove the piston, connecting rod and upper connecting rod bearing. Push out the piston, connecting rod and upper connecting rod bearing with a suitable tool.
CAUTION: Handle the piston carefully. Worn piston rings are sharp and may cause bodily injury.
IMPORTANT: Do not use force when removing the connecting rod and piston. Avoid breaking the piston rings and damaging the piston.
12. Inspect the piston, connecting rod and connecting rod bearing. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod and Bearings Clean/Inspect in Unit Repair.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required
- J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
- J 36660 Torque Angle Meter
- J 41507 Connecting Rod Assembly Guide
NOTICE: Modifications made to the engine or its individual components can effect the vehicle's emission controls and may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Check Engine, or Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate. Modifications may also cause the vehicle to fail a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
1. Install the piston rings to the piston. Stagger the ring gaps to provide an effective compression seal. Refer to Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble in Unit Repair.
2. Turn the crankshaft to Bottom Dead Center (BDC).
3. Lubricate the cylinder with oil.
4. Install the upper connecting rod bearing.
5. Install the J 41507 on the connecting rod.
6. Align the piston and the connecting rod with the arrow (1) toward the front of the engine.
7. Install the piston and connecting rod using the J 8037.
NOTICE: Guide the lower connecting rod end carefully to avoid damaging the crankshaft journal.
8. Install the piston into the bore by lightly tapping the top of the piston with a wooden hammer handle.
9. Install the bearing inserts to a clean and dry connecting rod and cap.
NOTICE: Do not scrape, shim, or file bearing inserts. If the bearing surface of the insert is touched with bare fingers, the skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface. Upper and lower inserts may be different. Do not obstruct any oil passages.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the bearing cap bolt holes and the cap mating surfaces are clean and dry. The inserts will project slightly when put into place. Ensure that they project an equal distance on both sides. Ensure that the insert tangs are engaged.
10. Measure the rod bearing clearance. If the readings are within limits, select a suitable set of inserts. If the readings are unsatisfactory and available inserts will not correct the clearance, replace the crankshaft.
11. Lubricate the bearing surfaces and the crankshaft journal surfaces with clean engine oil.
12. Remove the J 41507.
13. Install the connecting rod cap and lower connecting rod bearing.
IMPORTANT: Carefully tap the bearing cap into place. Do not pull the cap down with the cap bolts.
14. Install the connecting rod cap bolts.
^ Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.). Use the J 36660 in order to rotate the bolts an additional 50 degrees.
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
15. Pry the connecting rod back and forth with a suitable tool and check for binding. If necessary, loosen and retighten the bearing cap.
16. Measure the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
17. Install the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement (Right Rear) and/or Cylinder Head Replacement (Left Front).
18. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.