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Home › Kia › 2003 › Optima SE, 2.7 8 › Repair and Diagnosis › Engine Mechanical › Lubrication System › 2.7L V6 Engine › Main Moving System › Connecting Rod & Piston › Installation › Connecting Rod

Connecting Rod

  1. Install the upper main bearings in the cylinder block.
    Fig 1: Installing Upper Main Bearings
    G00327992Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  2. Install the lower main bearings in the main bearing caps.
    CAUTION: Install the bearing with the oil hole in the block.
  3. Install the thrust washers in the No. 3 main bearing cap with the oil grooves facing outward.
    Fig 2: Installing Thrust Washers
    G00327993Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  4. Make sure that the front mark of the piston and the front mark (identification mark) of the connecting rod are directed toward the front of the engine.
  5. When the connecting rod cap is installed, make sure that the cylinder numbers put on the rod and cap at disassembly match.
  6. When a new connecting rod is installed, make sure that the notches for holding the bearing in place are on the same side.
  7. When assembling, bolts should be fastened by plastic region angle - controlled method as follows.
    1. Apply oil to the thread of nuts and spot areas.
    2. Tighten the connecting rod bolt.

    Tightening torque

    Connecting rod bolt :

    16-20 Nm (160-200 kg.cm, 11.6-14 lb.ft) +(90°~94°)

    CAUTION: After removing the connecting rod bolt, do not use bolt again.
  8. Check the bearing clearance as follows:
    1. Remove oil and dirt from the bearings and journals.
    2. Cut plastic gauge to the same length as the width of the bearing and place it in parallel with the journal, avoiding the oil holes.
    3. Install the bearing and cap. Tighten to the specified torque. During this operation, do NOT turn the crankshaft.
    4. Remove the cap, measure the width of the plastic gauge at the widest part by using the scale printed on the plastic gauge package.

    Connecting rod cap

    Bearing clearance

    Standard : 0.018-0.036 mm (0.0007-0.0014 in.)

    Limit : 0.1 mm (0.0039 in.)

    Fig 3: Checking Bearing Clearance (1 Of 2)
    G00327994Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  9. Check the connecting rod side clearance.

    Side clearance : 0.10-0.25 mm (0.0039-0.0098 in.)

    Limit : 0.4 mm (0.016 in.)

Fig 4: Checking Bearing Clearance (2 Of 2)
G00327995Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
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