GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • J 5239 Connecting Rod Bolt Guide Set
    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 24270 Ridge Reamer
  1. Remove the left (front) cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
  2. Remove the right (rear) cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 55068  Size: SH
  4. Use the following procedure in order to remove the ring ridge, as necessary:
  5. 3.1. Turn the crankshaft until the piston is at the bottom of its stroke.
    3.2. Place a cloth on top of the piston.
    3.3. Use the J 24270 in order to remove the piston ring ridge.
    3.4. Turn the crankshaft so that the piston is at the top of its stroke.
    3.5. Remove the cloth and cutting debris.
  6. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  7. Remove the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  8. Remove the crankshaft oil deflector. Refer to Crankshaft Oil Deflector Replacement .
  9. Turn the crankshaft until the piston is at bottom dead center.
  10. Important: Place matchmarks or numbers on the connecting rod and connecting rod caps. The connecting rod caps must be assembled to their original connecting rod.


    Object Number: 96318  Size: SH
  11. Remove the connecting rod nuts and cap.
  12. Notice: Install thread protector in order to avoid damage to the crankshaft journal.

  13. Remove the lower connecting rod bearing.

  14. Object Number: 31373  Size: SH
  15. Install the J 5239 .

  16. Object Number: 96339  Size: SH
  17. Remove the connecting rod, upper connecting rod bearing and piston out of the top of the engine block.
  18. Clean the cylinder bores with hot water and detergent or with a light honing.
  19. Swab the bores with engine oil and a clean, dry cloth.

Installation Procedure

  1. Coat the piston, the piston rings, the cylinder bore, and the bearing surfaces with engine oil.
  2. Install the connecting rod thread protector.

  3. Object Number: 57345  Size: SH
  4. Compress the piston rings using the J 8037 .

  5. Object Number: 96339  Size: SH
  6. When installing the piston, upper connecting rod bearing and connecting rod, the stamped arrow on the piston must point to the front of the engine while the flange on the connecting rod must face toward the front of the piston on the left hand, and face toward the rear of the piston on the right hand.

  7. Object Number: 43397  Size: SH
  8. Install the piston into its original bore using J 5239 and the J 8037 and lightly tapping the top of the piston with a wooden hammer handle.
  9. Hold the J 8037 firmly against the engine block until all of the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.
  10. Remove the thread protector.
  11. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to General Information.

  12. Object Number: 96318  Size: SH
  13. Install the lower connecting rod bearing.
  14. Install the connecting rod cap.
  15. Install the connecting rod cap nuts.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the 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.

  17. Inspect the connecting rod for a binding by prying back and forth with a suitable tool. If necessary, loosen and retighten the connecting rod cap.

  18. Object Number: 35206  Size: SH
  19. Measure the connecting rod side clearance.
  20. Install the crankshaft oil deflector. Refer to Crankshaft Oil Deflector Replacement .
  21. Install the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  22. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  23. Install the right (rear) cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
  24. Install the left (front) cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .