GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 8037 Ring Compressor

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the cylinder head from the cylinder block. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
  2. Remove the oil pan and the oil pump strainer from the cylinder block. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 236201  Size: SH
  4. Using a ridge reamer, remove any ridge and all carbon from the top of the cylinder bore to avoid damage to the piston ring lands.
  5. Mark the cylinder number on each of the following:
  6. • The pistons
    • The connecting rods
    • The connecting rod bearing caps
  7. Remove the two nuts and the connecting rod bearing cap.
  8. Slide a piece of hose over the connecting rod studs to prevent damage to the crankshaft and cylinder wall when the piston and the connecting rod are removed.

  9. Object Number: 261801  Size: SH
  10. Remove the piston (1) and the connecting rod (3) from the cylinder bore by pushing out through the top of the cylinder bore.
  11. Disassemble the piston and connecting rod assembly. Refer to Piston and Connecting Rod Disassemble .
  12. Inspect the piston and connecting rod assembly. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
  13. Select the connecting rod bearing. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
  14. Select the piston. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
  15. Assemble the piston and connecting rod assembly. Refer to Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble .

Installation Procedure

  1. Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the following:
  2. • The pistons
    • The rings
    • The cylinder walls
    • The connecting rod bearings
    • The crank pins
  3. Install a piece of hose over the connecting rod studs to prevent damage to the crankshaft and cylinder wall when installing the connecting rods.

  4. Object Number: 166694  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the arrow mark on the top of the piston is facing toward the crankshaft pulley side.

  5. Use a J 8037 in order to compress the piston rings and install the piston and the connecting rod into the cylinder bore.

  6. Object Number: 166693  Size: SH
  7. Use a hammer handle in order to tap the piston head and install the piston into the cylinder bore. Keep the J 8037 pressed securely against the top of the cylinder block (1) until all of the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.
  8. Remove the hose pieces from the connecting rod bolts.
  9. 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.

  10. Install the connecting rod bearing cap to the connecting rod. Secure the connecting rod bearing cap with two nuts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap nuts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  12. Install the engine oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  13. Install the cylinder head to the cylinder block. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .