CAUTION: Before removing the pistons with connecting rods, remove the cylinder head.
Check with your fingernail for a bead at the top of the piston ring travel (about 5 mm below the top of the cylinder). If rollers have formed due to the deposition of carbon or wear of the cylinder walls, they must be completely removed using a special tool. If you do not remove the rollers, then when removing the pistons with connecting rods, the piston can be damaged.
After the rollers have been removed, turn the engine over.
Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the oil sump with gasket.
Remove the oil receiver.
Remove the oil pump (if necessary).
Before removing the connecting rods, check their backlash with feeler gauges. Insert them between the first connecting rod and the shaft crank until all the play is taken out. If the backlash exceeds the limit repair value, then it is necessary to replace the connecting rods. If new connecting rods or a new crankshaft are installed), the play may become less than the minimum allowable. In this case, the connecting rods must be machined - if necessary, consult a car workshop. Repeat the procedure for the rest of the connecting rods.
Check for identification marks on the connecting rods and connecting rod caps. If they are not visible, use a small center punch to mark the appropriate number of marks on each connecting rod and cap 1, 2, etc. according to cylinder number).
Loosen each connecting rod cap nut in 1/2 turn increments until they can be twisted by hand. Remove the number 1 connecting rod cap together with the bearing shell - do not drop the shell.
Typical connecting rod number marks
Pull a piece of plastic or rubber hose over each connecting rod cap bolt so as not to damage the crankshaft journal and cylinder bore when the piston is pulled out.
Pull out the bearing shell and push the connecting rod with the piston out through the top of the engine. Push, resting on the wooden handle of the hammer against the connecting rod or piston.
Repeat this operation for the remaining connecting rods with pistons.
Assemble the connecting rods by installing the bearing shells and caps, and tighten the nuts with your fingers.