Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Service Manual Update Regarding Piston Installation

Service Manual Update Regarding Piston Installation

Bulletin #99-T-02 - (Jan 6,2003)

Applies to: 1991-1999 Saturn vehicles equipped with SOHC (LKO/L24) or DOHC


Assemble piston and connecting rod:




1. Orient connecting rod with bearing tang slots directed toward exhaust manifold side of engine block.

2. Assemble piston to connecting rod in the following orientation for piston pin installation:

- SOHC engines: Align the paint dot or pip mark on piston top with the front of engine. (If the paint dot or pip mark is not visible, align piston pin retaining ring pry slots toward intake side of engine.)

- DOHC engines: Align two eyebrow cuts in position top toward intake manifold side of engine block.


Important: If the pistons are already installed in the bores and orientation is being verified, look at the underside of the pistons to ensure the piston pin boss with the rectangle-shaped casting feature is pointing toward the back of the engine (refer to illustration).