TM 9-2320-272-24-4
5-26. PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD MAINTENANCE (Contd)
e. Installation
1.
Apply clean engine oil to lubricate piston (3) and cylinder bore (5).
NOTE
Ensure piston rings are staggered properly so they are not in line
with each other or piston pin.
2.
Lubricate ring compressor and install over piston rings (4) and piston (3).
3.
Using engine barring tool, rotate crankshaft (91 until connecting rod journal (11) is at bottom
dead center.
CAUTION
Ensure piston assembly number matches that of mating
cylinder. Failure to do so will cause poor engine performance.
Ring compressor must be held firmly against engine block to
prevent compressor from slipping and causing piston ring
breakage when pushing piston into cylinder liner.
Do not force piston assembly into liner. If piston does not install
freely in liner, remove and check for broken rings.
NOTE
Ensure piston assemblies are installed with FRONT mark facing
front of engine.
4.
Insert connecting rod (7) in cylinder bore (5) and hold ring compressor tight and firmly seated
against engine block (6).
5.
Using rubber or wooden mallet handle, push piston (3) from ring compressor and into cylinder
bore (5) until upper half bearing (8) seats against connecting rod journal (11).
6.
Place a piece of plastic strip across lower half bearing shell (2).
7.
Install connecting rod cap (1) on connecting rod (7) with two nuts (10). Ensure numbers on
connecting rod cap (1) and connecting rod (7) are aligned.
8.
Tighten two nuts (10) as follows:
a. Tighten two nuts (10130 lb-ft (41 Nm).
b. Tighten two nuts (10) 60 lb-ft (81 Nm).
c. Tighten two nuts (10) 90 lb-ft (122 Nm).
9.
Remove two nuts (10) and connecting rod cap (1) from connecting rod (9).
10.
Using plastigage, measure width of plastic strip. Width should be 0.0013-0.0046 in. (0.033-0.117
mm). If width is not within limits, inspect connecting rod journal (11) (task c.).
11.
Clean connecting rod cap (1) and install on connecting rod (7) with two nuts (10). Ensure numbers
on connecting rod (7) and connecting rod cap (1) are aligned.
12.
Tighten nuts (10) as follows:
a. Tighten two nuts (10) 30 lb-ft (41 Nm).
b. Tighten two nuts (10) 60 lb-ft (81 Nm).
c. Tighten two nuts (10) 90 lb-ft (122 Nm).
13,
Check connecting rod side clearance.
a. Move connecting rod (7) back and forth on connecting rod journal (11).
b. Using feeler gauge, measure connecting rod (7) side clearance. Clearance should be 0.004-0.012 in.
(0.1-0.030 mm). If not within limits, remove connecting rod cap (1) and inspect for proper size
and seating of lower half bearing shell (2), and for dirt or burrs.
c. Repeat steps 12 and 13 to install connecting rod cap (1).
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