OEM 2007 Dodge Nitro Piston

2007 Dodge Nitro Piston Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Install Piston and Connecting Rod Assemblies into the Bore on 2007 Dodge Nitro?

  A: Before you install the piston and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, place piston rings inside the assembly. Drench the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, place a ring compressor above them and ensure it is tight enough that the position of the rings does not change. The bearing's holes should fit snugly into the rod's holes and the parting line of the bearing should match the parting line in the connecting rod. Rub engine oil over the part of the shaft that fits into the bearing. Set Special Tool 8507 Connecting Rod Guides inside the threads of the connecting rod bolts. The pistons are labeled on the piston pin bore with a raised "F," which means they should be placed so that the "F" is at the front of the engine on both cylinder banks and the connecting rod oil slinger faces the engine's front. Clean out the cylinder bore and spray some engine oil over it. Turn the crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is in the center of the bore and then place the rod and piston inside the cylinder, putting the connecting rod guides over the crankshaft journal as you go. Press on the piston with the end of the hammer handle as you ensure the connecting rod is moving into place on the rod journal. All connecting rod bolts are Torque to Yield and must never be put back in after they're removed or loosened; always change these when necessary. Apply engine oil to the rod bolts and to the bearing areas, install the connecting rod cap and bearing and tighten the bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) plus 90°. Assemble the engine by installing the cylinder head(s) and timing chain and cover, cylinder head covers and oil pan using the gasket or windage tray. Make sure to put the right engine oil into the crankcase and to attach the negative cable to the battery.