2. Check with your fingernail for a shoulder at the top of the piston ring movement (approximately 6 mm from the top of each cylinder). If ledges have formed due to carbon deposits or cylinder wear, then they must be removed using a tool called a countersink. Do this before removing the pistons. Follow the instrument manufacturer's instructions for use. If these steps are not removed before installing the pistons/connecting rods, the piston ring may break.
3. After removing the ledges in the cylinders, turn the engine over with the crankshaft up.
4. Before removing the connecting rods, check the side play with a feeler gauge. Insert a feeler gauge between the first connecting rod and the crank web to eliminate play. Side play corresponds to the stylus thickness (probes). If side play exceeds the allowable limit, then new connecting rods will be required. When installing new connecting rods (or a new crankshaft) make sure there is some side play, if not the cranks need to be machined - consult workshop if necessary). Repeat the operation for the rest of the connecting rods.
5. Check the identification marks on the connecting rods and caps. If they are not marked, then with a small center punch on each connecting rod and cover, apply the number of marks corresponding to the cylinder number (1, 2, 3 and so on).
6. Loosen each connecting rod cap nuts/bolts one half turn at a time until they can be unscrewed by hand. Remove the #1 connecting rod bearing cap and bushing. Do not drop the insert from the cover.
7. If studs are used to fasten the covers, then to protect the neck of the crankshaft and the cylinder wall when removing the piston, put short rubber or plastic tubes on the studs.
8. Remove the bearing shell and push the piston/connecting rod assembly out through the top of the cylinder. Press the connecting rod upper bearing surface with the wooden handle of a hammer. If resistance is felt, check again that the entire ledge has been removed from the cylinder.
9. Repeat the procedure for the remaining cylinders.
10. After removal, install the connecting rod caps and bearing shells into the respective connecting rods and hand-tighten the cap bolts/nuts. Keeping the original bearing shells in place until reassembly will help protect the connecting rod bearing surfaces from accidental burrs and dents.
11. Do not separate the pistons from the connecting rods (see Section Checking the condition of the pistons / connecting rods).