GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J-43966-1 Connecting Rod Guides
    • J 45059 Angle Meter

    Object Number: 412431  Size: SH
  1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use new bearings.
  2. 1.1. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
    1.2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
  3. Install the J-43966-1 into the connecting rod bolt holes. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
  4. Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
  5. 3.1. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
    3.2. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
    3.3. Install J 8037 over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
    3.4. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
    3.5. Place the piston in its matching bore.
    3.6. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
    3.7. Hold the J 8037 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
    3.8.  Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.

    Object Number: 412430  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.

  6. Install the connecting rod cap.
  7. 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.

  8. Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft), then rotate 100 degrees using the J 45059 .

  10. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.

  11. Object Number: 465919  Size: SH
  12. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge.
  13. The correct clearance is 0.070-0.370 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).

Tools Required

    • J 8037 /J 43953 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 36660-A /SA9140E Torque Angle Meter
    • J-43966-1 /J 41742 Connecting Rod Guides

    Object Number: 412431  Size: SH
  1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use the proper size bearings.
  2. 1.1. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
    1.2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
  3. Install the J-43966-1 into the connecting rod bolt holes This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
  4. Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
  5. 3.1. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
    3.2. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
    3.3. Install J 8037 /J 43953 over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
    3.4. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
    3.5. Place the piston in its matching bore.
    3.6. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
    3.7. Hold the J 8037 /J 43953 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
    3.8. Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.

    Object Number: 412430  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.

  6. Install the connecting rod cap.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  8. Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft), then rotate 100 degrees using the J 36660-A .

  10. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.

  11. Object Number: 465919  Size: SH
  12. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge.
  13. The correct clearance is 0.070-0.370 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).