The connecting rod bolts on all engines are 'torque-to-yield' bolts and therefore once tightened and loosened they have to be replaced with new ones. It is important to note that the cylinder walls should be wiped clean before the piston/connecting rod assemblies are put in position, that top edge of each cylinder is chamfered and that the
Crankshaft should ideally be fitted at this stage. Take off the cap from number one connecting rod and clean the bearing surface and the surface should be clean. Clean the back side of the new upper bearing insert and put it in its position so that the tab is inserted in the recess in the rod. Perform this for the rod cap but without applying any lubricant. As correctly align the gap of the piston ring, apply oil on the piston and the ring before finalizing the piston ring compressor. Turn the crankshaft to the bottom dead centre and lubricate the cylinder walls with engine oil. Place the piston/connecting rod assembly into the cylinder bore with the piston mark of the barrel positioned to face front of engine. Remove the old rod bolts, use them to align and make sure the ring compressor seals the block. Ease the piston into the cylinder, giving the correct alignment to the connecting rod on the crankshaft journal without applying force that may harm the piston or the rings. Plastigage is to be fitted after installation of the connecting
Rod Bearing to measure the oil clearance of the mating surfaces. Fasten the bolts using a counter clockwise procedure to the recommended torque three times before removing the rod cap gently so as not to affect the Plastigage. It is possible to measure the width of the destroyed Plastigage to understand the oil clearance and compare it with the usual parameters. If the clearance is incorrect the first thing that should be looked for is dirt or oil that may be interfering with the journal diameter. Remove any Plastigage material from the bearing surfaces of the small end of the connecting rod, apply a layer of grease or assembly lube to the bearing faces and replace the rod cap with new bolts as well as tighten them to the recommended torque setting. The same process is repeated on the other pistons/connecting rods to be ensured that they are clean and properly aligned during assembly. Once all the assemblies have been installed, try to rotate the crankshaft and look out for binding, finally check the connecting rod end play against the relevant specifications to see if it is correct. If new rods or a crankshaft were installed new end play must be achieved at an automotive machine shop if the above-stated end play is inadequate.