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Detroit Diesel — Install Cylinder Liner, Piston And Connecting Rod Assembly

Repair & overhaul

From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.

Before you start

  • Do not use a methoxy propanol base antifreeze as it will damage the seal rings.
  • When installing a cylinder kit which weighs over 80 pounds, do not allow it to rest on the seating surface of the block; load and complete the installation for one cylinder at a time.

Procedure

  1. Make sure the seal ring grooves in the block bore are clean and install a new seal ring in each groove.
  2. Apply clean engine oil or an ethylene glycol base antifreeze to the inner surface of each seal ring.
  3. Rotate the crankshaft with barring tool J 22582 until the connecting rod journal is at the bottom of its travel.
  4. Install the upper bearing shell (without the continuous oil groove) in the connecting rod and lubricate it.
  5. Use cylinder liner installer J 22641 and position the piston, rod and liner assembly in front of the block bore aligning identification numbers and matchmarks.
  6. Slide the piston, rod and liner assembly straight into the block bore until the liner flange rests in the counterbore.
  7. Remove the air box covers to see if the seal rings were dislodged or damaged during liner installation.
  8. Push or pull the piston and connecting rod into the liner until the upper bearing shell is firmly seated.
  9. Place the lower bearing shell (with the continuous oil groove) in the rod cap and lubricate it.
  10. Install the bearing cap and bearing shell on the connecting rod with the identification numbers adjacent.
  11. Apply International Compound No. 2 to the bolt threads and the cap and nut joint; tighten the connecting rod bolt nuts to 130-140 lb-ft.
  12. Check the connecting rod side clearance.
  13. Install the remaining liner, piston and rod assemblies in the same manner, using hold-down clamps.
  14. Install new compression gaskets and water seals, then install the cylinder heads.
  15. Refill the crankcase and fill the cooling system; operate the engine on the run-in schedule.

Tools required

Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.

Specs & values

  • Connecting rod bolt nuts 130-140 lb-ft (170-190 N·m)
  • Connecting rod side clearance .018"-.026" new

Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.

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