Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1210

PL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 79 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
(4) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Remove connecting rod cap bolts Do not use
old bolts if reinstalling connecting rod. Push
each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(6) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
(7) Piston and Rods are serviced as an assembly.
PISTON RING—REMOVAL
(1) ID mark on face of upper and intermediate pis-
ton rings must point toward piston crown.
(2) Using a suitable ring expander, remove upper
and intermediate piston rings (Fig. 80).
Fig. 80 Piston Rings—Removing and Installing
(3) Remove the upper oil ring side rail, lower oil
ring side rail and then oil ring expander from piston.
(4) Clean ring grooves of any carbon deposits.
PISTON RINGS—INSTALLATION
(1) Install rings with manufacturers I.D. mark fac-
ing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 81).
SPACER EXPANDER
Fig. 81 Piston Ring Installation
CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
a. Oil ring expander.
b. Upper oil ring side rail.
c. Lower oil ring side rail.
d. No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
e. No. 1 Upper piston ring.
f. Install the side rail by placing one end between
the piston ring groove and the expander. Hold end
firmly and press down the portion to be installed
until side rail is in position. Do not use a piston
ring expander (Fig. 82).
Fig. 82 Installing Side Rail
(2) Install upper side rail first and then the lower
side rail.
(3) Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston
ring (Fig. 81).
(4) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig.
83).
(5) Position oil ring expander gap at least 45° from
the side rail gaps but not on the piston pin center or
NO. 2 PISTON RING NO. 1 PISTON RING OIL RING SIDE RAIL END SIDE RAIL
2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 39