Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Disassembly And Assembly Of Subassemblies: Piston: Assembly
- If the piston and/or connecting rod are being installed new, the connecting rod orientation marks and the arrow on the top of the dome of the piston should be facing toward the front of the engine block.
- Position the piston on the connecting rod.
- Lubricate and install the piston pin.
Material: Engine Oil - SAE 5W-20 - Synthe tic Blend Motor Oil / XO-5W20-Q1SP (WSS-M2C945-B1)
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NOTE: The piston pin retainer gap orientation must be toward the top of the piston.
Install the piston pin retainers.
- Lubricate and install the oil control rings.
- Upper oil control ring.
- Oil control expander ring.
- Lower oil control ring.
Material: Engine Oil - SAE 5W-20 - Synthe tic Blend Motor Oil / XO-5W20-Q1SP (WSS-M2C945-B1)
- Install the lower compression ring.
- The "O" mark on the ring pointing up toward the top of the piston.
- Hook feature will point down toward the bottom of piston.
Material: Engine Oil - SAE 5W-20 - Synthe tic Blend Motor Oil / XO-5W20-Q1SP (WSS-M2C945-B1)
- Install the upper compression ring.
- The "O" mark on the ring pointing up toward the top of the piston.
Material: Engine Oil - SAE 5W-20 - Synthe tic Blend Motor Oil / XO-5W20-Q1SP (WSS-M2C945-B1)
- The "O" mark on the ring pointing up toward the top of the piston.
- Position the piston ring gaps.
- Center line of the piston parallel to the wrist pin bore.
- Upper compression ring gap.
- Upper oil control ring gap.
- Lower oil control ring gap.
- Oil control expander ring and lower compression ring gap.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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