Piston And Connecting Rod

Fig 1: Identifying Lift Chain

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

NOTE: Pistons, rings, and rods are serviced as an assembly.

CAUTION: To maintain engine balance, 1, 3 or 4 pistons can be replaced. If 2 pistons are replaced, engine will be out of balance.

Remove engine. See REMOVAL .
Separate engine from transaxle.
Mount engine on a suitable engine stand and remove engine lift chain (1).
Remove cylinder head. See REMOVAL .

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Drain Plug
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Drain engine oil (2).
Remove oil pan (1). See REMOVAL .

Fig 3: Locating Oil Filter
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Remove oil filter (1).
Remove balance shaft assembly.
Remove ladder frame.
NOTE: Remove any carbon build up and clean debris from cylinder prior to piston removal to avoid scratching piston skirts.
Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reliable ridge reamer before removing pistons from cylinder block. Be sure to keep tops of pistons covered during this operation .

Fig 4: Identifying Connecting Rod-To-Cylinder - Typical
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Rotate crankshaft so that each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
Using a permanent ink or paint marker, identify cylinder number on each connecting rod cap.
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch to mark connecting rods, as damage to connecting rod could occur.

CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the fractured rod and cap joint surfaces, as engine damage many occur.
Remove connecting rod bolts and cap.
NOTE: Do not reuse connecting rod bolts.
Carefully push each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore. Re-install bearing cap on the mating rod.
Repeat procedure for each piston and connecting rod assembly.