Piston & Connecting Rod: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Install the piston rings. (Refer to INSTALLATION
)NOTE: The connecting rod bearing cap bolts must be examined before reuse. If the threads are necked down, the bolts must be replaced.
- Check connecting rod bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all threads do not contact the scale, the bolt must be replaced (Fig 1 ).
- Before installing pistons and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, ensure that compression ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap (Fig 2 ).
- Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor over the piston and tighten with the special wrench (Fig 3 ). Ensure position of rings does not change during this operation.
- Install connecting rod bolt protectors on rod bolts (Figure ).
- Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert rod and piston into cylinder bore and guide rod over the crankshaft journal.CAUTION: Do Not interchange piston assemblies cylinder-to-cylinder or bank-to-bank.
- The arrow on top of piston must be pointing toward front of engine (Fig 4 ) and oil squirt hole on connecting rod faces the major thrust (right) side of the cylinder bore (Fig 5 ).
- Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting rod into position on connecting rod journal.
- Install rod caps. Install nuts on cleaned and oiled rod bolts and tighten nuts to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.) Plus 1/4 turn.
- Install the cylinder head(s) (Refer to INSTALLATION )
- Install the oil pan. (Refer to INSTALLATION )