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Piston And Connecting Rod

Fig 1: Piston Ring End Gap Position
GC0055010Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  1. Install piston rings on piston. Refer to INSTALLATION .
  2. Before installing pistons and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, be sure that top compression ring gap (1) and the second compression ring gap (3) are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
  3. Before installing the ring compressor, make sure the oil ring expander ends are butted (1) and the rail gaps (2,4) located as shown in illustration above. As viewed from the top of the piston.
  4. Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston. Be sure position of rings does not change during this operation  .
    Fig 2: PISTON INSTALLATION
    GC0055011Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  5. The directional arrow stamped on the piston should face toward the front of the engine.
  6. Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Lubricate connecting rod journal with clean engine oil.
    NOTE: There are three different size rod bearings, perform rod bearing selection procedure.
    NOTE: The rod bearing sizes are indicated on the nose of the crankshaft.
    Fig 3: RING COMPRESSOR
    GC0055012Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  7. Install connecting rod upper bearing half into connecting rod.
  8. Install ring compressor (3).
  9. Tap the piston (1) down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle (2). At the same time, guide connecting rod into position on connecting rod journal.
    NOTE: The connecting rod cap bolts should NOT  be reused.
  10. Before installing the NEW  bolts, the threads should be coated with clean engine oil.
  11. Install connecting rod lower bearing half into connecting rod cap. Install connecting rod cap.
  12. Install each bolt finger tight then alternately torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
  13. Tighten the connecting rod bolts using the 2-step torque-turn method. Tighten according to the following values:
    CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for the second step.
    1. Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.).
    2. Tighten the connecting rod bolts an additional 90°.
    Fig 4: Connecting Rod Side Clearance
    GC0055013Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  14. Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS  for connecting rod side clearance.
  15. Install the ladder frame. Refer to INSTALLATION .
  16. Install oil pump/balance shaft carrier assembly. Refer to INSTALLATION .
  17. Install oil pan. Refer to INSTALLATION .
  18. Install cylinder head. Refer to INSTALLATION .
    Fig 5: LIFT CHAIN
    GC0055014Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  19. Install engine on lift chain (1).
  20. Install engine. Refer to INSTALLATION .
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