QuestionI'm assembling my 3.8 from my 1999 T&C van. Installing new pistons, the machine shop phased them all the same, The Connecting rods have an oil squirt hole on one side, which way does it go, to the middle of the block or to the outside.
I need to have 3 of these changed but now can't remember which way it goes.
Thank you for your help.
Thomas McMullen
609-602-9327 anytime.
AnswerFITTING CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
Fit all rods on one bank until complete.
The bearing caps are not interchangeable and should be marked at removal to insure correct assembly.
The bearing shells must be installed with the tangs inserted into the machined grooves in the rods and caps. Install cap with the tangs on the same side as the rod.
Limits of taper or out-of-round on any crankshaft journals should be held to 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) Bearings are available in 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.) undersize. Install the bearings in pairs. Do not use a new bearing half with an old bearing half. Do not file the rods or bearing caps.
Follow procedure specified in the Standard Service Procedure Section for Measuring Main Bearing Clearance and Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance Checking Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should be examined before reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts should be replaced Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts Necking can be checked by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale the bolt should be replaced.
Before installing the nuts the threads should be oiled with engine oil.
Install nuts finger tight on each bolt then alternately torque each nut to assemble the cap properly.
Tighten the nuts to 54 N·m PLUS 1/4 turn (40 ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn)
Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance Refer to Connecting Rod Specification Chart
