This procedure requires the removal of the head and oil pan. It is much easier to do this work with the engine removed and installed on the stand.
1. If pistons and connecting rods are removed due to extreme wear, follow the procedures in section Crankshaft and main bearings. If you are removing pistons and connecting rods without removing the crankshaft and main bearings, follow the steps in this section.
2. Remove the cylinder head following the procedures in this Chapter.
3. Remove the oil pan.
4. The connecting rods are marked with arrows that point to the front of the engine, and the bearing caps must be marked before disassembly so that each part is installed in its original location.
5. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts, pull the caps away from the connecting rod and place them on the workbench in order.
6. Inspect the tops of the cylinder (near the head) for the presence of a protrusion in the stop zone of the upper compression ring (about 8 mm from the bottom of the cylinder cut), formed by the wear of the rings. If there is, move the piston down in the cylinder and cover the top with a clean rag. Use a ring reamer to remove metal buildup until the cylinder is smooth. If this is not done, the pistons may be damaged during removal. Take out the rags and all metal crumbs; if necessary, use a magnet.
7. Put a piece of vacuum or other rubber hose on the bolts to prevent their ends from scratching the cylinder. Use a wooden stick or hammer to tap the piston from bottom to top. If you are working under the engine on the vehicle and with the crankshaft not removed, rotate the crankshaft until the crank for each cylinder is in a comfortable position. Be careful not to force the piston and/or connecting rod or allow the connecting rod to damage the cylinder walls when removing the piston from the cylinder. A small groove in the metal can cause problems after assembly.
8. Clean pistons, rings and connecting rods piece by piece in solvent with a bristle brush. Do not use a wire brush, even to remove heavy deposits; metal surface may be damaged. Use a piece of the broken piston ring to clean the grooves in the piston.