LSS V6-3.8L VIN K (1997)
Piston: Testing and Inspection
Inspection
WARNING: Bodily injury may occur if the cleaning solvent is inhaled or exposed to the skin.
1. Clean sludge and carbon from the following items:
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The piston
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The piston pin
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The connecting rod
2. Ensure that the piston ring grooves are cleaned of carbon to the bare metal.
3. Use the proper ring cleaning tools in order to avoid damaging the piston ring lands.
4. Soak the piston pin in carburetor cleaning solution in order to remove any varnish.
5. Do not scrape the piston skirt.
6. Use the following procedures in order to inspect the connecting rod for bending or twisting:
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Install the connecting rod cap.
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Tighten the cap according to the specifications.
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Place the connecting rod on a checking fixture.
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Check the connecting rod for bending or twisting.
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Replace the connecting rod if the rod is bent more than 0.127 mm (0.005 inch).
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Replace the connecting rod if the rod is twisted more than 0.254 mm (0.010 inch).
7. Do not attempt to straighten the connecting rod. Check new rods before use.
8. Inspect the outside of the connecting rod bearing for wear indicating high spots in the connecting rod lower end.
9. Inspect the inside diameter of the connecting rod lower end for wear indicating high spots in the connecting rod lower end.
10. Compare the connecting rod bolts with a new bolt in order to inspect the connecting rod bolts for stretching.)
11. Inspect the upper end of the connecting rod for scoring.
12. Inspect the piston pin for the following conditions:
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A scored surface
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A galled surface
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An improper fit between the connecting rod and the piston
13. Inspect the piston for the following conditions:
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A score in the piston skirt
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A crack
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A broken ring groove land
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Wear
