GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 5239 Connecting Rod Guide Set
    • J 24270 Ridge Reamer
    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
  1. Remove the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
  2. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  3. Remove the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  4. Remove the ridge or deposits from the upper end of the cylinder bores. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

  5. Object Number: 5154  Size: SH
  6. Remove the connecting rod cap.
  7. Check the connecting rod and the cap for identification marks. Mark the parts if required. Keep the connecting rod and the cap together as mating parts.

  8. Object Number: 31373  Size: SH
  9. Attach the J 5239 to the connecting rod bolts.

  10. Object Number: 5156  Size: SH
  11. Use the long guide rod of the J 5239 in order to push the connecting rod and the piston out of the bore.

  12. Object Number: 5157  Size: SH
  13. Remove the connecting rod bearing.
  14. Clean and inspect all components. Repair or replace components as necessary.
  15. Measure connecting rod bearing clearance.
  16. Measure the piston clearance.
  17. Measure piston ring clearances.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 5239 Connecting Rod Guide Set
    • J 24270 Ridge Reamer
    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • Make sure the cylinder walls are clean.
    • Lubricate the cylinder walls lightly with engine oil.
    • Make sure the piston is installed in the matching cylinder.

    Object Number: 5158  Size: SH
  1. Install the connecting rod bearings.
  2. • Make sure the bearing inserts are the proper size.
    • Install the bearing inserts in the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
    • Lubricate the bearings with engine.

    Object Number: 5160  Size: SH
  3. With the connecting rod cap removed, install the J 5239 onto the connecting rod bolts.

  4. Object Number: 5161  Size: SH
  5. Locate the piston ring end gaps.
  6. Lubricate the piston and the rings with engine oil.
  7. Without disturbing the ring end gap location, install the J 8037 over the piston.

  8. Object Number: 5162  Size: SH

    Important: Mark each connecting rod and bearing cap, beginning at the front of the engine. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 are on the left bank and 2, 4, and 6 are on the right bank. The numbers on the connecting rod and bearing cap must be on the same side when installed in the cylinder bore. If a connecting rod is ever transposed from one block or cylinder to another, fit new connecting rod bearings. Number the connecting rod to correspond with the new cylinder number.

  9. Install the piston so that the notch in the piston faces the front of the engine.
  10. Place the piston in its matching bore. The connecting rod bearing tang slots must be on the side opposite the camshaft.

  11. Object Number: 5159  Size: SH
  12. Using light blows with a hammer handle, tap the piston down into its bore. At the time, from beneath the vehicle, guide the connecting rod to the crankshaft with the J 5239 .
  13. Hold the ring compressor against the block until all rings have entered the cylinder bore.
  14. Remove the J 5239 from the connecting rod bolts.
  15. Adjust connecting rod bearing clearance.

  16. Object Number: 5154  Size: SH
  17. Install the connecting rod cap and the bearing.
  18. Install the connecting rod bolt nuts.
  19. Tighten

        • Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
        • Tighten the connecting rod bolts nuts an additional 70 degrees using the J 36660-A .

    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.


    Object Number: 5163  Size: SH
  20. Measure the connecting rod side clearance.
  21. Install the oil pump (if removed). Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  22. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  23. Install the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .