Piston Installation
Piston InstallationIf the crankshaft is already installed
1. Set the crankshaft to bottom dead center (BDC) for the cylinder you are installing the piston in.
2. Remove the connecting rod caps. Check that the bearing is securely in place.
3. Apply new engine oil to the piston, inside of the ring compressor, and cylinder bore, then attach the ring compressor to the piston/connecting rod assembly.
4. Position the arrow (A) facing the timing chain side of the engine.
5. Position the piston/connecting rod assembly in the cylinder, and tap it in using the wooden handle of a hammer (A). Maintain downward force on the ring compressor (B) to prevent the rings from expanding before entering the cylinder bore.
6. Stop after the ring compressor pops free, and check the connecting rod-to-crank journal alignment before pushing the piston into place.
7. Check the connecting rod bearing clearance with plastigage.
8. Apply engine oil to the bolt threads, then install the rod caps with bearings. Torque the bolts to 9.8 Nm (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 ft. lbs.).
9. Tighten the connecting rod bolt an additional 90°.
If the crankshaft is not installed
1. Remove the connecting rod caps. Check that the bearing is securely in place.
2. Apply new engine oil to the piston, inside of the ring compressor, and cylinder bore, then attach the ring compressor to the piston/connecting rod assembly.
3. Position the arrow (A) facing the timing chain side of the engine.
4. Position the piston/connecting rod assembly in the cylinder, and tap it in using the wooden handle of a hammer (A). Maintain downward force on the ring compressor (B) to prevent the rings from expanding before entering the cylinder bore.
5. Position all pistons at top dead center (TDC).