Refitting Pistons and Connecting Rods in V8 Engines 35-42: Complete Overhaul Guide
ENGINE
OVERHAUL
41
Pistons and connecting rods - refit
1. Fit oil control ring rails and expander, ensuring
ends butt and not overlap.
2. Fit ring marked ’TOP’ with marking uppermost
into second groove.
3. Fit top compression ring into groove either way
round.
4. Position oil control expander ring joint and ring
rail gaps all at one side, between gudgeon pin
and away from left hand side of piston - viewed
from front of piston. Space gaps in ring rails
approximately 25 mm (1.0 in) each side of
expander ring joint.
5. Position compression rings with ring gaps on
opposite sides of piston between gudgeon pin
and right hand side of piston - viewed from
front of piston.
6. Thoroughly clean cylinder bores.
7. Lubricate piston rings and gudgeon pin with
engine oil.
8. Lubricate cylinder bores with engine oil.
9. Fit ring clamp to piston and compress piston
rings.
10. Insert connecting rod and piston assembly into
respective cylinder bore ensuring domed
shaped boss on connecting rod faces towards
front of engine on RH bank of cylinders, and
towards rear on LH bank of cylinders.
11. Fit big-end bearing caps and bearing shells.
NOTE: When both connecting rods are
fitted to each journal, bosses will face
towards each other.
12. Fit cylinder head(s).