GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2001 🢒 Aurora 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.5L 🢒 Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Removal

    Object Number: 283295 Size: SH
  1. Before removing the connecting rods, check the connecting rod side clearance using the following procedure:
    2. 1.1. Tap the connecting rod to one end of the crankshaft journal with a dead-blow or wooden hammer.
    1.2. Using feeler gages, measure the clearance between the crankshaft counterweight and the connecting rod.
    1.3. The connecting rod side clearance should not exceed 0.500 mm (0.020 in).
    1.4. If the end play exceeds the specified limits, measure the width of the crankpin end of the connecting rod.
    1.5. The width of the crankpin end of the connecting rod should be 21.745 - 21.805 mm (0.856 - 0.858 in).
    1.6. If the connecting rod width is significantly smaller than specified and severe wear is present on the side of the connecting rod, replace the connecting rod.
    1.7. If the connecting rod width is within specification and excessive scoring is present on the crankshaft journals, replace the crankshaft.
  2. Using a marker, number each piston face. Draw an arrow along the centerline of the piston pointing toward the front of the engine.

    3. Notice: Do not use a punch or any method that may distort or stress the rod or cap.

  3. Mark the cylinder number on the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap with a scribe, paint stick or permanent marker.

    4. Object Number: 287784 Size: SH

    Notice: Powdered metal connecting rods have rod bolts which yield when torqued. If the rod bolts are loosened or removed the rod bolts must be replaced. Rod bolts that are not replaced will not torque to the correct clamp load and can lead to serious engine damage.

  4. Remove the connecting rod bolts.

    5. Important: The connecting rod caps must remain with the original connecting rod.

  5. Remove the connecting rod cap.

    6. Object Number: 233860 Size: SH
  6. Push the connecting rod and the piston assembly through the top of the cylinder. Do not scratch the crankshaft journal or the cylinder wall when removing the connecting rod and the piston assembly.
  7. Reattach the connecting rod cap to the connecting to prevent damage to their mating surfaces. The cap and rod are a matched set and must be kept together.