Generac — Piston and Connecting Rod Installation
Repair & overhaul
From a Generac service manual covering: GN-190, GN-191, GN-320, GN-360. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- DO NOT USE A WASHER WHEN ASSEMBLING THE ROD CAP.
Procedure
- Coat the cylinder walls, crankshaft crankpin and connecting rod bearing with clean engine oil.
- Reinstall the crankshaft.
- Stagger the ring end gaps so that they are 90 degrees apart.
- Use a ring compressor to fully compress the piston rings into their grooves.
- Guide the connecting rod into the cylinder with the assembly mark dimple toward the flywheel side (3 o'clock position).
- Tap the piston down into the cylinder with a wood handle or rubber mallet when the ring compressor contacts the top of the cylinder.
- Install the connecting rod cap with its match mark aligned with the identical mark on the rod.
- Install the connecting rod cap bolts and tighten to the proper torque.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Connecting rod bolts: Small Frame 13.6 Nm (120 in-lbs); Large Frame 24.4 Nm (216 in-lbs)
Source: Generac 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.