Genuine 2003 Mazda Protege Piston

2003 Mazda Protege Piston Parts and Q&A

• Q: What steps should be taken before installing the piston and connecting rod assemblies on 2003 Mazda Protege?

  A: Clean cylinder walls, chamfer tops, ensure crankshaft installed. Remove rod cap, note marks and clean bearings. Fit bearing inserts with tabs and oil-hole alignment. Stagger ring gaps, lubricate, use ring compressor and insert pistons (dimple front), check clearance with Plastigage, clean, reinstall and torque, rotate crankshaft, verify rod end play.