GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 5239 Guide Set
    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
  1. Coat the following components with clean engine oil:
  2. • The piston
    • The piston rings
    • The cylinder bore
    • The bearing surfaces

    Object Number: 354027  Size: SH
  3. Install the J 5239 onto the connecting rod.

  4. Object Number: 354028  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not shim, scrape, or file bearing inserts. Do not touch the bearing surface of the insert with bare fingers. Skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

    Important: The mark on the top of the piston must face the front of the engine block. When assembled, the flanges on the connecting rod and cap should face to the front of block on the left bank and to the rear of block on the right bank.

  5. Install the piston, connecting rod and upper connecting rod bearing through the top of the engine block using the J 5239 .

  6. Object Number: 5159  Size: SH
  7. Install the J 8037 onto the piston and compress the piston rings.
  8. Use the J 8037 and the J 5239 and lightly tap 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. Object Number: 354029  Size: SH
  11. Use the J 5239 in order to guide the connecting rod onto the crankshaft journal.
  12. Remove the J 5239 .

  13. Object Number: 354030  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not shim, scrape, or file bearing inserts. Do not touch the bearing surface of the insert with bare fingers. Skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

  14. Install the connecting rod cap and lower connecting rod bearing.

  15. Object Number: 354031  Size: SH

    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.

  16. Install the connecting rod nuts.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).


    Object Number: 5163  Size: SH
  18. Once the piston and connecting rod assemblies have been installed, lightly tap each connecting rod assembly (parallel to the crankpin) in order to make sure that they have side clearance.
  19. Use a feeler gauge or a dial indicator to measure the side clearance between the connecting rod caps. The rod side clearance should be 0.033-0.584 mm (0.0013-0.0230 in).