Ford 5M8Z-6108-A Piston

Prior to screwing the piston and connecting rods onto their respective cylinders, make certain the cylinder walls are free from debris, the top flats of the cylinders are cut at an angle or 'chamfered', and that the crank shaft is connected. Twist the cap off the number one connecting rod being very careful to ensure that you do not mar the bearing surfaces. Clean the back side of the new upper bearing insert and put this into the connecting rod in the same manner as mentioned before with the tab in the recess without hammering. Do the same for the other bearing insert in the rod cap but make sure not to allow any form of contamination. Place the piston ring gaps correctly on the piston then fit a hose on each of the connecting rod cap bolt. After cleaning the piston and the rings apply engine oil on the piston and rings and then place a piston ring compressor and slowly place the piston into position in the cylinder as you make sure that the oil squirt hole is pointing towards the center of the engine. Strike the block side of the ring compressor to bring it into contact then ease the piston into the cylinder as you align the connecting rod on the crankshaft journal without applying undue pressure that can dent the piston or harm the rings. After the installation ensure that the connecting rod bearing oil clearance is checked using Plastigage, and the connecting rod cap has to be installed properly and torqued. Pop off the cap gently so as not to interfere with the Plastigage and then c heck the clearance against indicated measures. If the clearance is found to be incorrect then there must be dirt or oil interference; the journal diameter must be rechecked. Scrape of any Plastigage material, spread grease or assembly lube on the bearing surfaces and replace the connecting rod and cap and tighten to the recommended torque, etc. Continue for the remaining assemblies, make all components clean and appropriate orientation of the piston is maintained. To perform the last step after the installation of the crankshaft, rotate the crankshaft to check binding, and in the last check, check the connecting rod end play according to the specifications used. If new components have been fitted then may be a visit to a machine shop is required for resizing the same.

No, do not separate the pistons from the connecting rods.