Piston: Service and Repair

Fig. 10 Piston & Rod Assembly:

Pistons are marked with an arrow on the top perimeter, Fig.10. When installing piston in engine, the arrow must face toward front of engine. Always assemble rods and caps with oil spurt holes facing camshaft. Check side clearance between connecting rod and crankshaft journal. Clearance should be 0.010 to 0.019 inch.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove cylinder head as outlined under Cylinder Head Replacement @ Cylinder Head Assembly/ Service and Repair.
3. Position piston one at a time near bottom of stroke. Using a suitable ridge reamer, to remove ridge from top end of cylinder walls. Use a protective shop towel to collect shavings.
4. Raise and support vehicle, then drain engine oil.
5. Remove oil pan following procedure under Oil Pan Replacement @ Engine/ Engine Lubrication/ Oil Pan, Engine/ Service and Repair.

Fig. 11 Stamped Connecting Rods & Caps:

6. Remove connecting rod bearing caps and inserts. Mark rods and caps with cylinder bore location. Connecting rods and caps are stamped with a two letter combination Fig.11.
7. Lower vehicle to approximately 2 ft. from floor.
8. With assistance, push piston/connecting rod up and through top of cylinder bore. Ensure connecting rod bolts do not scratch crankshaft journals or cylinder bores. Short pieces of rubber hose, slipped over rod bolts will provide protection during removal.
9. Reverse procedure to install.