Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation. Chevrolet Corsica 1996

For 1990-2009 cars

#### Tools Required

J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor

1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use the proper size bearings.

1.1. | Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.

1.2. | Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.

2. Install the piston and the connecting rod to the correct bore.

2.1. | Slide a piece of 3/8" fuel or vacuum hose over the connecting rod bolts. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.

2.2. | Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.

2.3. | Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.

2.4. | Install J 8037 over the piston. Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.

2.5. | The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.

2.6. | Place the piston in its matching bore.

2.7. | Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the crankshaft while tapping the piston into place.

2.8. | Hold the J 8037 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.

2.9. | Remove the vacuum hose from the connecting rod bolts.

3. Install the connecting rod cap.
4. Install the connecting rod bolt nuts.

Tighten

1. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 52 N·m (38 lb ft).
2. Loosen the connecting rod bolt nuts 1 full turn.
3. Tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 52 N·m (38 lb ft).

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.

5. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge.

The correct clearance is 0.10-0.38 mm (0.0039-0.0149 in).

6. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Installation.
7. Install the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Installation.