Note: Before removing the connecting rod and piston assemblies from the engine, it is necessary to remove the cylinder heads, oil pan and oil pick-up tube (see section SOHC engines or DOHC engines of this Chapter).
1. Using a special countersink, completely remove traces of stepped wear from the top of the cylinders - follow the manufacturer's instructions included with the countersink. The step is formed at the limit of the piston stroke, approximately 6.4 mm below the top edge of the cylinder due to mechanical wear of metal and carbon formation; its presence can be determined by touch with a fingernail. Attempts to extract the connecting rod and piston groups without removing the stepped wear are fraught with damage to the pistons.
2. Once you have finished preparing the cylinders, turn the engine upside down so that the crankshaft is on top.
3. Before removing the connecting rods from the crankshaft, estimate the amount of axial play of their fit on the journals of the latter. Firmly insert the blade(s) of the measuring gauge into the gap between the side wall of the lower head of the connecting rod and the crank cheek, completely removing the play of the connecting rod on the journal of the shaft. The total thickness of the selected blades of the feeler gauge will be equal to the value of the axial play of the connecting rod. Compare the result of the measurement with the requirements of the Specifications. If the value of the axial play exceeds the maximum permissible value, this connecting rod is subject to replacement. The axial play of a new connecting rod, or an old one on a new shaft, may be less than the lower permissible limit, in which case the connecting rod can be machined - consult with specialists at a car service. Check all the remaining connecting rods one by one.
4. Make sure that the lower heads of the connecting rods and their caps have identification marks indicating that they belong to your cylinder; if necessary, apply the marks yourself using a small center punch.
5. In several stages (1/2 turn per approach) loosen the nuts securing the connecting rod lower head caps so that they can be unscrewed by hand. Remove the first connecting rod cap together with the bearing shell placed in it, try not to drop the latter.
6. To protect the shaft journal and cylinder bore, stretch a couple of pieces of suitable sized hose onto the connecting rod lower head mounting bolts.
7. Remove the bearing shell from the connecting rod head, then, resting the wooden handle of a hammer on the bearing bed in the lower head, push the connecting rod and piston assembly out of the block through the top of the cylinder. If resistance occurs, immediately stop removing the assembly and make sure that the stepped wear in the upper part of the cylinder has been completely removed.
8. Proceeding in a similar manner, remove the remaining connecting rod and piston assemblies from the engine.
Note: The connecting rod to be removed is installed coaxially to its cylinder by turning the crankshaft accordingly - proceed with the extraction only after the connecting rod is positioned strictly parallel to the cylinder axis!
9. To avoid accidental mechanical damage to the bearings and loss of components, reinstall the bearing shells and secure the bearing caps to the lower heads of your connecting rods, hand tightening the nuts.
10. Do not remove the pistons from the connecting rods (for more details, see Section Checking the condition of the connecting rod and piston group components).