76. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation
^ Tools Required- J29789 Piston Ring Compressor
- J36660-A Torque Angle Meter
- J43032 Crankshaft Rotation Socket
1. Liberally lubricate the cylinder walls, piston rings and piston skirts with engine oil.
Important: The connecting rod is nondirectional and may be assembled/reassembled to the piston in either direction.
2. Select the correctly numbered piston/connecting rod assembly for the cylinder. The arrow located on the top of the piston must point toward the front of the engine.
3. Coat the crankshaft bearing journal and installed connecting rod bearings with prelube GM P/N 1052367 or equivalent.
4. Compress the piston rings using the J29789.
Important: Extreme care must be exercised when installing the piston and connecting rod in order to be sure the rod does not scrape or nick the cylinder bore or the crankshaft surfaces.
5. Using both hands, slowly guide the piston and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder from the top and bottom of the cylinder. DO NOT allow the connecting rod to contact the cylinder wall.
6. When the J29789 contacts the deck surface, gently tap the piston into the cylinder using the handle end of a dead-blow hammer. Guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft bearing journal while tapping the piston into the cylinder.
7. Install the connecting rod cap and bearing.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. Important: DO NOT reuse the old connecting rod bolts.
8. Lubricate NEW connecting rod bolts with engine oil and install in the connecting rod.
8.1. First Pass
Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).
8.2. Second Pass
Loosen the bolts until the torque reading is zero.
8.3. Third Pass
Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
8.4. Final Pass
Tighten the connecting rod bolts an additional 110 degrees using the J36660-A.
9. During and after installation, check to make sure each piston is positioned properly in the correct cylinder. The locating arrow on the top each piston (1) must be pointing toward the front of the engine.
10. Repeat these procedures for the remaining piston/connecting rod assemblies using the J43032 to rotate the crankshaft.