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.
Rod, Piston And Connecting: Inspection
- Wipe the inserts (1) clean.
- Inspect the inserts for abnormal wear patterns, scoring, grooving, fatigue, pitting and for metal or other foreign material imbedded in the lining.
- Inspect the back of the inserts for fractures, scrapes, or irregular wear patterns.
- Inspect the insert locking tabs for damage.
- Replace any bearing that shows abnormal wear. Refer to BEARING(S), CONNECTING ROD .
- Inspect the connecting rod bearing bores for signs of scoring, nicks and burrs.NOTE:
Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft connecting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to any of these components indicate the probability of a misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod alignment.
- Replace any misaligned, bent or twisted connecting rods.NOTE:
Connecting rods are serviced with the piston pre-assembled. The pistons are "select fit" to achieve proper oil clearance. Refer to ROD, PISTON AND CONNECTING .
NOTE:Typical coated piston shown in illustration.
- Inspect the piston for scoring or scraping marks in the piston skirts. Check the ring lands for cracks and/or deterioration.NOTE:
The coating material (1 and 2) is applied to the piston after the final piston machining process. This coating may affect the outside diameter measurement of a coated piston may not provide accurate results.
- Check the piston for taper and out of round shape.
Piston installation into the cylinder bore may require slightly more pressure than that required for non-coated pistons. The bonded coating on the piston will give the appearance of a line-to-line fit with the cylinder bore.
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.