Final Installation of Piston and Connecting Rod Assemblies

PROCEDURE

1. Carefully scrape off all traces of Plastigage from the crankshaft journal and/or bearing surface using a fingernail or the edge of an old credit card.
2. Make sure both bearing surfaces are perfectly clean, then evenly apply a thin coat of molybdenum-based engine assembly lubricant to them. To gain access to the upper bearing shell surface, push the piston slightly into the cylinder. Be sure to fit protective hoses over the connecting rod cap bolts to prevent damage to the crankshaft journal surface. Take care not to let the piston rings pop out of the cylinder.
3. Return the connecting rod to its position, carefully fitting its lower end over the crankpin. Remove the protective hoses from the bolts, install the cap, and tighten the connecting rod nuts to the specified torque in three stages.

Make sure the alignment marks on the connecting rod cap and the lower end of the connecting rod match.
4. Repeat the entire procedure for the remaining piston and connecting rod assemblies.
5. Observe the following important points:

a) Make sure no dirt gets on the back of the bearing shells or their seats in the connecting rods and caps;
b) Make sure each assembly is installed in its own cylinder (even when new components are installed, since piston ring end gaps were fitted to specific cylinders);
c) Pistons must be positioned with the arrow/mark on the crown facing the front of the engine (toward the timing drive);
d) Do not forget to lubricate the cylinder bores with engine oil before installing the assemblies;
e) Do not forget to lubricate the bearings (after checking the operating clearances) before final installation of the caps.

6. After installing the piston and connecting rod assemblies, check that the crankshaft turns freely by rotating it several times by hand.
7. Finally, check the crankshaft end play again (see Removal of Piston and Connecting Rod Assemblies section).
8. Compare the end play measurement with the Specifications. If the end play was within limits before engine disassembly and the old piston and connecting rod assemblies were used, there should be no problems. If the end play is out of limits after replacing the connecting rods, remove the connecting rods from the engine and take them to an automotive repair shop for appropriate machining.