- Each piston and its connecting rod are provided with the number of the cylinder from which they were removed. It is best to put the number on the bottom with paint. Mark one of the front sides of the engine with a corresponding arrow.
- When removing the piston with the connecting rod, observe the exact direction of installation of the piston bearing cap and immediately after removal mark the sides with the cylinder number. This can best be done with a center punch (cylinder #1 - one punch strike, etc.).
- Mark the bearing shells according to the connecting rods and bearing caps. Mark the upper and lower liners on the back with paint.
- Remove the bearing caps and liners and push out the parts as described above. If necessary, scrape off the oil ring from the top of the cylinder bores using a scraper.
- Remove the piston rings one by one using a piston ring collet (figure 80). If the rings are to be used again, they must be marked accordingly. If you don't have collets, you can insert metal strips under the ring at opposite places on the piston. Be sure to place one strip under the ring to avoid scratches.
- Disassemble pistons and connecting rods only when necessary. Standard engine piston rings are pressed in and must be pressed out using a suitable mandrel in a pressing device after the pistons have been heated to a temperature of 50-60°C. "MAZDA" has the part number 49 G030 042. DOHC and diesel engine pistons are equipped with retaining spring rings on each side to protect the piston pins. After both spring rings have been removed, the pins can be driven out using a mandrel. If the pin is very tight, the piston needs to be warmed up in warm water.
Figure 80. Removing piston rings using powder ring collets.