How to Assemble the Pistons to the Connecting Rod in a Chevy

When assembling an engine, whether for racing or simply to replace an old engine, the most important things to assemble properly are the pistons and connecting rods. If these two items are not assembled properly, they could destroy all of the hard work to build the new engine. The process for assembling the rods and pistons is easy, but essential to any engine's survival.

Things You'll Need

• Pistons
• C-clips
• Connecting rods
• C-clip pliers
• Rubber mallet
• Wrist pins
• Wooden dowel, slightly smaller than the wrist pins
• Assembly lube

Instructions

1. Install one C-clip in the wrist pin hole of the piston. Make sure the C-clip is fully seated in the groove.

2. Apply assembly lubricant to the entire wrist pin, the piston end of the connecting rod and the races for the wrist pin in the piston.

3. Push the wrist pin into the piston, but not so far as to block the connecting rod area.

4. Align the connecting rod in the piston, and press the wrist pin the rest of the way into the piston. If necessary, the wrist pin can be tapped in with the rubber mallet and wooden dowel.

5. Install the second C-clip in the piston. This will install on the opposite side of the piston from the first. If the clip will not install in the groove, tap the wrist pin with the mallet and dowel until the clip will seat fully in the groove.

Tips & Warnings

• Assembly lube helps the metal slide together and prevents marring while assembling.

• Do not hit the wrist pin with a metal hammer or drive pin. This could cause the pin to stick in the piston and damage the engine.