GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • J 41512 Connecting Rod Guide

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  2. Remove the oil pump screen. Refer to Oil Pump Suction Pipe and Screen Assembly Replacement
  3. Remove the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 51198  Size: SH
  5. Use the following procedure to remove the ring ridge:
  6. 4.1. Connect the J 41512 to the connecting rod.
    4.2. Turn the crankshaft until the piston is at the bottom of its stroke.
    4.3. Place a cloth on top of the piston.
    4.4. Use a ridge reamer to remove the ring ridge.
    4.5. Turn the crankshaft so that the piston is at the top of its stroke.
    4.6. Remove the cloth and cutting debris.
  7. Remove the piston and connecting rod.
  8. Clean the cylinder bores with hot water and detergent or with a light honing.
  9. Swab the bores with engine oil and a clean, dry cloth.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 51198  Size: SH
  1. Coat the following parts with engine oil:
  2. • The piston
    • The piston rings
    • The cylinder bore
    • The bearing surfaces

    Important: When installing a piston and connecting rod, the stamped arrow on the piston must point to the front of the engine. Hold the J 8037 firmly against the engine block until all the piston rings have entered the cylinder bore.

  3. Install the piston into its original bore. Use the J 8037 and the J 41512 and lightly tap the top of the piston with a wooden hammer handle.
  4. Install the connecting rod bearings and caps onto their original connecting rod. Align and match the marks or numbers which were placed on the connecting rod and connecting rod cap during removal.
  5. 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.

  6. Install the connecting rod bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft) and rotate the bolts an additional 50 degrees, using the J 36660-A .

  8. Inspect the connecting rod for binding by prying back and forth with a suitable tool. If necessary, loosen and re-tighten the connecting rod cap.
  9. Measure the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to specifications.
  10. Install the cylinder head. Refer to Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
  11. Install the oil pump screen. Refer to Oil Pump Suction Pipe and Screen Assembly Replacement
  12. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .