GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the cylinder head from the cylinder block. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
  2. Remove the engine oil pan and the oil pump strainer.
  3. Mark the cylinder number on each of the following:
  4. • The pistons
    • The connecting rods
    • The connecting rod bearing caps

    Object Number: 166689  Size: SH
  5. Remove the eight nuts and the connecting rod bearing caps (1).
  6. Slide the hose piece over the connecting rod studs to prevent damage to the cylinder when the piston and the connecting rod are removed.
  7. Clean the carbon from the top of the cylinder bore.

  8. Object Number: 166696  Size: SH
  9. Remove the piston (3) and the connecting rod (2) from the cylinder bore by pushing out through the top of the cylinder bore.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor

  1. Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the following:
  2. • The pistons
    • The rings
    • The cylinder walls
    • The connecting rod bearings
    • The crank pins

    Object Number: 166689  Size: SH
  3. Install the guide hoses (2) over the connecting rod bolts to prevent damage to the bearing journal and the connecting rod bolt threads when installing the connecting rods.

  4. Object Number: 166694  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure to point the arrow mark on the cap toward the crankshaft pulley side.

  5. Use a J 8037 in order to ensure the arrow mark on top of the piston points to the crankshaft pulley end. Install the piston and the connecting rod into the cylinder bore.

  6. Object Number: 166693  Size: SH
  7. Use a hammer handle in order to tap the piston head and install the piston into the cylinder bore. Keep the J 8037 pressed securely against the top of the cylinder block (1) until all of the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.
  8. Remove the hose pieces from the connecting rod bolts.
  9. 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.

  10. Install the connecting rod bearing cap to the connecting rod. Secure the connecting rod bearing cap with two nuts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap nuts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  12. Install the engine oil pan and oil pump strainer.
  13. Install the cylinder head to the cylinder block. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .