FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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43. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation




Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation




1. Install connecting rod bearing.

Note: Do not apply engine oil to the bearings or the contact surfaces.

2. Align the bearing claw with the groove on the connecting rod or connecting cap.

Note: The connecting rod cap bolts are tightened in 2 progressive steps.

3. Install piston sub-assembly with connecting rod.
4. Apply engine oil to the cylinder walls, the pistons, and the surfaces of connecting rod bearings.




5. Check the position of the piston ring ends (1, 2).





Note: Match the numbered connecting rod cap with the connecting rod.

6. Using a piston ring compressor, push the correctly numbered piston and connecting rod assemblies into each cylinder with the front mark (1, 2) of the piston facing forward.




7. Check that the protrusion on the connecting rod cap is facing in the correct direction.
8. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the threads and under the heads of the connecting rod cap bolts.

Note: The connecting cap bolts should be tightened in 2 progressive steps.

9. Install the connecting cap bolts.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

10. Install and alternately tighten the bolts (1, 2) of the connecting rod cap in several steps.

Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).




11. Mark the front of the connecting rod cap bolts with paint (1).
12. Retighten the cap bolts by 90 degrees (a) as shown in the illustration.
13. Check that the crankshaft turns smoothly.
14. Check the connecting rod thrust clearance. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection (27. Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection).