GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2001 🢒 Catera 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) 🢒 Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Tools Required

    • J 41742 Connecting Rod Guide Pin
    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter

    Object Number: 217449 Size: SH
  1. Install the J 41742 onto the connecting rod hole which will allow the guide pin to clear the crankshaft bearing bridge.

    2. Only one J 41742 is required to properly align the connecting rod with crankshaft.

  2. Install the upper rod bearing to the rod.
  3. Coat the following components with Engine Oil Supplement (EOS), GM P/N 1052367:
    4. • Coat the piston.
    • Coat the piston rings.
    • Coat the cylinder bore.
    • Coat the bearing surfaces.

    Object Number: 217452 Size: SH
  4. Perform the following steps to install the piston:
    5. 4.1. Position the piston with the arrow on the piston head facing toward the front of the engine.
    4.2. Use the J 8037 to compress the piston rings.
    4.3. Place the piston in the cylinder (2).
    4.4. Lightly tap the piston into the cylinder bore while an assistant guides the connecting rod onto the crankshaft.
  5. Remove the J 41742 .
  6. Perform the following steps to install the connecting rod caps with bearings to the connecting rod:
    7. 6.1. Install with the bumps on the connecting rod and the cap facing toward the rear of the engine.
    6.2. Coat the bearing surface with Engine Oil Supplement (EOS), GM P/N 1052367.
  7. Use new connecting rod cap bolts.

    8. 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 cap bolts.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  9. Use the J 36660-A to rotate the main bearing cap bolts in the following sequence:

    10. Tighten

    1. The first pass rotate the connecting rod bearing cap bolts 45 degrees.
    2. The second pass rotate the connecting rod bearing cap bolts 45 degrees.
    3. The third and final pass rotate the connecting rod bearing cap bolts an additional 15 degrees.
  10. Repeat steps for the remaining pistons.