GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Piston and Connecting Rod Installation

    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

    Object Number: 31373  Size: SH
  1. Lubricate the cylinder wall and piston rings with clean engine oil.
  2. Turn the crankshaft to bottom dead center.
  3. Install the connecting rod stud thread protector.

  4. Object Number: 43397  Size: SH
  5. Install the J 8037 .
  6. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly.
  7. Important: Ensure that the arrow on top of the piston faces towards the front of the engine.

  8. Remove the thread protectors.
  9. Install the connecting rod bearings.
  10. Notice: In order to prevent the possibility of rod bolt or bearing cap damage, the bearing caps may need to be tapped into position with a brass or leather mallet before the attaching nuts are installed. Do not use the attaching nuts to pull the bearing caps onto the rod. Failure to observe this information may result in damage to the rod bolt or the bearing cap.

  11. Seat the bearing caps by pushing on by hand or by carefully tapping it lightly with a suitable tool.
  12. Install the rod bearing cap nuts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the rod cap nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the nuts an additional 75 degrees.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  14. Pry the connecting rod back and forth with a suitable tool and check for binding. If necessary, loosen and retighten the bearing cap.

  15. Object Number: 35206  Size: SH
  16. Measure the connecting rod side clearance.