Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

^ Tools Required
- J 29789 Piston Ring Compressor
- J 39946 Crankshaft Rotation Socket





1. Liberally lubricate the cylinder walls, piston rings and piston skirts with engine oil.
2. Select the correctly numbered piston/connecting rod assembly for the cylinder. An arrow (9) showing proper piston orientation is located on the top of the piston.
3. Coat the crankshaft bearing journal and installed connecting rod bearings with GM crankshaft prelube, GM P/N 1052367.
4. Compress the piston rings using the J 29789 or equivalent.





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.

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.





6. When the piston ring compressor 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 end cap on its original connecting rod making sure the bearing lock tangs are aligned on the same side of the rod. When properly installed, the connecting rod bearing cap notches should be paired, as shown, on the crankpin.





8. Lubricate new connecting rod cap bolts with engine oil and install in the connecting rod.
^ Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.)
^ Loosen the connecting rod bolts until a reading of zero is obtained.
^ Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 Nm + 110° (18 ft. lbs. + 110°).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





9. During and after installation, check to make sure each piston is positioned properly in the correct cylinder. The locating arrow on the the top each piston must be pointing toward the front of the engine.
10. Repeat these procedures for the remaining piston/connecting rod assemblies using the J 39946 in order to rotate the crankshaft.