1956 AMC Hudson Technical Service Manual Supplement

ENGINE V-8 11
Assemble connecting rod to piston with notch in piston and
connecting rod identification mark to front of engine. Cylinder
numbers should be toward the outside of bank in
which they are installed.
FIGURE 17—Connecting Rod Identification Mark
The cylinders are numbered 1, 3, 5, 7 in the left bank of
engine from front to rear, and even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 in the
right bank, front to rear as viewed from driver's seat.
Two connecting rods are mounted side by side on each
crankpin. The side clearance is .004" to .012" (Fig. 18).
FIGURE 19—Piston and Connecting Rod
Assembly
bore.
Misaligned rods will cause uneven piston and ring wear
which will result in oil consumption. The connecting rod
should be inspected for a twisted or bent condition.
FIGURE 18—Checking Connecting Rod
Side Clearance
Connecting Rod Alignment
Whenever new rings are installed or new piston pins are
replaced, it is necessary to align the connecting rods and
pistons as assemblies to insure true operation in the cylinder
Connecting Rod Bearings
The connecting rod bearings are the steel-backed, babbittlined
precision type. They are installed as pairs in the
connecting rod and cap.
CAUTION: Never file a connecting rod or cap
to adjust bearing clearance.
To determine the amount of bearing clearance, use a piece
of Plastigage in the bearing cap. Then tighten the cap to
torque specifications to compress the gauge. Remove the
bearing cap and calibrate the width of the Plastigage with
the scale furnished.