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
- Make sure the seal ring grooves in the block bore are clean and install a new seal ring in each groove.
- Apply clean engine oil or an ethylene glycol base antifreeze to the inner surface of each seal ring.
- Rotate the crankshaft with barring tool J 22582 until the connecting rod journal is at the bottom of its travel.
- Install the upper bearing shell (without the continuous oil groove) in the connecting rod and lubricate it.
- 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.
- Slide the piston, rod and liner assembly straight into the block bore until the liner flange rests in the counterbore.
- Remove the air box covers to see if the seal rings were dislodged or damaged during liner installation.
- Push or pull the piston and connecting rod into the liner until the upper bearing shell is firmly seated.
- Place the lower bearing shell (with the continuous oil groove) in the rod cap and lubricate it.
- Install the bearing cap and bearing shell on the connecting rod with the identification numbers adjacent.
- 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.
- Check the connecting rod side clearance.
- Install the remaining liner, piston and rod assemblies in the same manner, using hold-down clamps.
- Install new compression gaskets and water seals, then install the cylinder heads.
- 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.