Genuine Acura TL Connecting Rod

Acura TL Connecting Rod Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Rod, Connecting
  13210-PGE-A00
  Q: What steps must be taken before removing the piston and connecting rod assemblies on Acura TL?

  A: Prior to removing the piston and connecting rod assemblies, the cylinder heads and oil pan must be taken off. Use a fingernail to check for any ridge at the upper limit of ring travel, approximately 1/4-inch down from the top of each cylinder; if ridges are present due to carbon deposits or wear, they must be removed with a ridge reamer to prevent piston breakage. After removing the ridges, turn the engine so the Crankshaft is facing up and take off the baffle plate. Check the connecting rod endplay with feeler gauges, ensuring the play is within the service limit of 0.005 to 0.015 inch; if it exceeds this, new connecting rods may be necessary. Mark the connecting rods and caps for identification, loosen the cap bolts, and remove the first connecting rod cap and bearing insert without dropping the insert. Push the connecting rod/piston assembly out through the top of the engine, using a wooden or plastic hammer handle if needed, and repeat for the remaining cylinders. After removal, reassemble the caps and inserts to prevent damage. For piston ring installation, check the ring end gaps, ensuring they are within the specified range, and adjust if necessary. Install the oil control ring first, followed by the middle and top compression rings, ensuring the correct orientation. Before installing the piston/connecting rod assemblies, ensure the cylinder walls are clean, the edges are chamfered, and the crankshaft is in place. Install the new bearing inserts, ensuring they fit correctly, and position the piston ring gaps appropriately. Lubricate the piston and rings, use a piston ring compressor, and insert the assembly into the cylinder with care. Check the connecting rod bearing oil clearance using Plastigage, ensuring the surfaces are clean and free of oil. If the clearance is not as specified, verify the bearing sizes and journal diameter. After confirming the clearance, apply grease to the bearing faces, reinstall the connecting rod and cap with new bolts, and tighten them in steps. Repeat for all assemblies, ensuring cleanliness and correct orientation, and check for binding by rotating the crankshaft. Finally, recheck the connecting rod endplay to ensure it remains within acceptable limits.