Installing pistons and connecting rods (Mazda Capella GE)

Location of bearing end clearances

Checking the lubrication clearance of connecting rod bearings

1. Clean the upper connecting rod bearing shell and install it on the connecting rod. The lubrication holes of the connecting rod and bearing must be aligned.

2. Clean the second bearing and install it into the connecting rod cap.

3. Arrange the piston ring end gaps as shown in the figure.

4. Lubricate the pistons and rings and compress the piston rings using a piston ring compressor.

5. Turn the crankshaft so that the connecting rod bearing of the first cylinder is at the bottom dead center position and lubricate the cylinder walls.

6. Make sure the mark on the top of the piston is facing forward.



7. Press the piston down and install it into the cylinder.



8. To measure the lubrication gap, you can use an internal micrometer or other special device, but the most accurate and easiest method is to use a special plastic gauge.



9. After installing the piston into the cylinder, tighten the connecting rod cap bolts and check the connecting rod bearing lubrication clearance. Place pieces of plastic on each of the connecting rod bearings, parallel to the crankshaft axis.



10. Compare the width of the crushed film with the special scale.

11. If the gap size is not as required, the bearing shells may be the wrong size.

Final installation of pistons and connecting rods

1. Remove all traces of plastic. Make sure the bearing surface is completely clean and lubricate it with engine oil.



2. Install the connecting rod onto the shaft journal, install the connecting rod cap and tighten the nuts to the required tightening torque.

3. The installation of the remaining connecting rods is carried out in a similar manner.

4. After installing all the connecting rods, turn the crankshaft several times and check for ease of movement.

5. Check the axial play of the connecting rods.