Note: Before removing the piston/connecting rod assembly, remove the cylinder head and oil pan. The necessary information is contained in Part A of Chapter 2.
1. Use your finger to check for a protrusion at the stop area of the top compression ring (about 8 mm to the bottom of the cylinder cut). If the protrusion is formed by coke deposits, remove them with a scraper or special tool. Careless or incomplete removal of the lug when dismantling the piston may result in damage to the piston.
Pic. 12.1 Removing carbon deposits and protrusions From the top of the cylinder with a special tool before dismantling the pistons
2. After removing the protrusions, turn the engine up with the crankshaft.
3. Check the axial clearance between the connecting rod and the crankshaft using a feeler gauge. If the clearance exceeds the allowable value, replace the connecting rod. If a new connecting rod is installed (or crankshaft), then the gap may become smaller than the allowable one. In this case, machining of the connecting rod is required.
Pic. 12.3 Measuring the clearance between connecting rod and crankshaft
4. Check for identification marks on the connecting rod and its cap (see fig. 12.4a). If there are no marks, mark with a punch. An example of marking the fourth connecting rod is shown in fig. 12.4b.
Pic. 12.4a Marks applied to the connecting rod (shown by arrow) are not the serial number of the connecting rod. This is the code for the inner diameter of the connecting rod bearing bed
Pic. 12.4b Punch the serial number of the connecting rod with a core
5. Loosen the connecting rod cap nuts in ½ turn increments. Remove the connecting rod cap along with the bushing. Do not remove the insert from the cover.
6. In order not to damage the surfaces of the crankshaft and the cylinder wall, put on protective pieces of a plastic or rubber tube on each connecting rod bolt.
7. Remove the upper connecting rod bearing and push the piston out of the cylinder. To do this, use a block of hard wood or a hammer handle. If the piston does not come out of the cylinder, check once again that the protrusion at the top of the cylinder is completely removed.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 for all cranks.
9. Replace the connecting rod caps and install the nuts on the connecting rod bolts. Remove the liners and store them in a location that does not damage the bearing surfaces.
10. Do not remove the piston from the connecting rod (see Section 17 for more information).