Piston: Service and Repair

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Before installing the pistons, apply a coat of engine oil to the ring grooves and cylinder bores.

1. If the crankshaft is already installed:
- Set the crankshaft to Bottom Dead Center (BDC) for each cylinder.
- Remove the connecting rod caps, and slip short sections of rubber hose over the threaded ends of the connecting rod bolts.
- Install the ring compressor, check that the bearing is securely in place, then position the piston in the cylinder and tap it in using the wooden handle of a hammer.
- Stop after the ring compressor pops free, and check the connecting rod-to-crank journal alignment before pushing the piston into place.
- Install the rod caps with bearings, and torque the nuts to 46 Nm (34 ft. lbs.)





2. If the crankshaft is not installed:
- Remove the rod caps and bearings, install the ring compressor, then position the piston in the cylinder and tap it in using the wooden handle of a hammer.
- Position all pistons at top dead center.





NOTE: Maintain downward force on the ring compressor to prevent the rings from expanding before entering the cylinder bore.