How to Properly Remove and Install Pistons and Connecting Rods in an Engine on 2002 Dodge Stratus?

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The pistons and connecting rods cannot be removed unless the cylinder head has been taken off first. Start by inserting a proper ridge reamer into the cylinder bores and cover up the pistons' tops while you do so. A directional marking must be pressed onto the front side of each piston and should always face the front of the engine. After that, remove the oil pan and the Balance Shaft Carrier Assembly. Insure the safety of the connecting rod by marking the cylinder number on each cap with a paint marker, not a number stamp or punch. Loosen and take out the connecting rod bolts and cap with caution so you don't mar the fracture rod and cap surfaces, as these bolts may only be used once. The crank should be turned to properly center each connecting rod in the cylinder bore and afterwards, the whole piston and rod should be pushed out from the top of the cylinder block without scratching the crankshaft journals. With the rod removed, add the bearing cap to the mating rod and then service each piston and connecting rod assembly together as they are meant to be. When installing, position the compression ring gaps unevenly and let the oil ring expander match the rail length at both sides. Insert the piston head into some oil first, next slide on the ring compressor to keep the piston's ring positions the same. The front of the engine should again face the direction where the piston's stamp is printed. Centralize the connecting rod journal inside the bore using the crankshaft, put the rod and piston together and insert it over the crankshaft journal. Hit the end of the piston with the hammer handle to bring the connecting rod into line. Before placing the new connecting rod cap bolts finger-tightly, rub clean engine oil on their threads and for the last step, alternately tighten each bolt without measuring the torque. Close out the grips by tightening the screws to 27 Nm plus a 1/4 turn. Use a feeler gauge to measure the connecting rod side clearance at the last step and then reattach the Balance Shaft Carrier Assembly, the oil pan and the cylinder head.

OEM 2002 Dodge Stratus Piston

6 Pistons found

2002 Dodge Stratus Vibration Damper Part Number: 5142303AB

2002 Dodge Stratus Piston Part Number: 5018627AD

2002 Dodge Stratus Piston Part Number: MD357067

2002 Dodge Stratus Piston Part Number: MD357068

2002 Dodge Stratus Piston Part Number: MD367089

2002 Dodge Stratus Piston Part Number: MD357066

2002 Dodge Stratus Piston Parts and Q&A

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