Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 122

Fig. 215: Piston & Connecting Rod Positioning 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

8. The oil squirt hole on connecting rod faces the major thrust side of the cylinder bore. See Fig. 215. 

9. Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting rod 

into position on connecting rod journal. 

10. Install the rod caps. Install cleaned and inspected connecting rod bolts and tighten to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.) 

Plus 1/4 turn.  

11. Install the cylinder head(s). See INSTALLATION.  

12. Install the oil pan. See INSTALLATION.  

RING - PISTON 

1 - MAJOR THRUST SIDE OF PISTON
2 - OIL SQUIRT HOLE

CAUTION: View of connecting rod oil squirt hole is from the front of the engine.

NOTE:

Make sure the rod bearings are seated with the oil squirt hole aligned.

NOTE:

Connecting rod bolts must be lubricated with clean engine oil.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

DESCRIPTION 

RING - PISTON 

Fig. 216: Piston Rings 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The piston rings include a moly-filled top ring with a symmetric barrel face. The intermediate piston ring is of 
the standard chrome design OR Micro-Napier design. The Micro-Napier design has a reduced "hook" on the 
running face, removes the need for chroming and improves oil economy. The oil control package consists of 
two steel rails and an expander spacer. See Fig. 216. 

STANDARD PROCEDURE 

1 - TOP PISTON RING
2 - CHROME INTERMEDIATE PISTON RING
3 - MICRO-NAPIER INTERMEDIATE PISTON RING
4 - OIL CONTROL RINGS
5 - SPACER

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

PISTON RING FITTING 

Fig. 217: Checking Piston Rings Gap 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Wipe cylinder bore clean. Insert ring and push down with piston to ensure it is square in bore. The ring 

gap measurement must be made with the ring positioning at least 12 mm (0.50 in.) from bottom of 
cylinder bore. Check gap with feeler gauge. See Fig. 217. For clearance specifications, see 
SPECIFICATIONS. 

1 - FEELER GAUGE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 218: Checking Piston Ring To Groove Clearance 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

2. Check piston ring to groove clearance: See Fig. 218. For clearance specifications, see 

SPECIFICATIONS.  

REMOVAL 

RING - PISTON 

1 - FEELER GAUGE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro