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Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2021 >> Durango SXT Plus, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Engine Mechanical >> Lubrication System >> 3.6L Engine (Service Information) >> Engine Block >> Rod, Piston And Connecting >> Installation
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Rod, Piston And Connecting: Installation

  1. If required, select and fit new piston and connecting rod assemblies to the engine block. Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/ROD, PISTON AND CONNECTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  2. If required, select and fit new bearings to the connecting rod. Refer to BEARING(S), CONNECTING ROD, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  3. If required, hone the cylinder bores. Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK - STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  4. If removed, install the piston rings. Refer to RING(S), PISTON, INSTALLATION .
    GC0095425Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  5. Position the piston ring end gaps as follows:
    • Oil ring expander gap (5)
    • Oil ring lower side rail end gap (4)
    • Oil ring upper side rail end gap (1)
    • No. 2 (intermediate) ring end gap (5)
    • No. 1 (upper) ring end gap (2).
    GC0144279Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.

    NOTE:

    Be certain that the position of the ring end gaps do not change when installing the ring compressor.

  6. Lubricate the piston rings with clean engine oil. Position Piston Compressor (special tool #C-385, Compressor, Piston) (2) over the piston and rings. Tighten the compressor (2).
    NOTE:

    Install the rod bearings in pairs. Do not mix sizes or use a new bearing half with an old bearing half.

  7. Install the bearing shell (8) on the connecting rod with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the rod. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
  8. Remove the plastic guide plates (3) from the Guide Pins (special tool #8189, Guide Pins) (7) and install the Guide Pins to the connecting rod being installed.
    GC0144280Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    Right cylinder bank shown in illustration, left cylinder bank similar.

  9. The pistons crowns are stamped with a mark (1) indicating installation position. This mark must be positioned toward the front of engine on both cylinder banks.
  10. Wipe the cylinder bore clean and lubricate with clean engine oil.
  11. Rotate the crankshaft until the connecting rod journal is on the center of cylinder bore.
    CAUTION:

    Avoid contact with the piston oil cooler jet(s). Positioning of the oil cooler jet(s) is critical for proper engine operation.

  12. Insert the piston and connecting rod into the cylinder bore and carefully position the guide pins over the crankshaft journal.
  13. Tap the piston down in the cylinder bore using a hammer handle while guiding the connecting rod into position over the rod journal.
    GC0144279Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.

    CAUTION:

    The connecting rod bolts must not be reused. Always replace the connecting rod bolts whenever they are loosened or removed.

  14. Install the bearing shell (6) on the connecting rod cap (4) with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the cap. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
    NOTE:

    Do not lubricate the threads of the connecting rod cap bolts (5).

  15. Install the connecting rod cap and bearing with the tang on the same side as the rod. Tighten the NEW  connecting rod cap bolts (5) to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  16. If required, check the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/ROD, PISTON AND CONNECTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  17. Repeat the previous steps for each piston being installed.
    GC0104468Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    CAUTION:

    The main bearing cap bolts are tightened using a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts must be replaced.

  18. Check the main bearing cap bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale (2) the bolt must be replaced.
    GC0144281Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  19. Install the windage tray (1) with eight main bearing cap bolts. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in illustration to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  20. Install the engine oil pump and oil pump pick-up. Refer to INSTALLATION  .
  21. Install the cylinder heads, engine timing cover and oil pans. Refer to CYLINDER HEAD, INSTALLATION  .
  22. If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  23. Fill the cooling system. Refer to COOLANT SYSTEM AIR EVACUATION .
  24. Operate the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check the cooling system for the correct fluid level. Refer to COOLANT SYSTEM AIR EVACUATION .
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