The cylinder head(s), the oil pan and the oil pump pick-up tube have to be removed before the removal of the piston and the connecting rod assemblies. First examine with your fingernail the existence of a ridge at the upper extreme of the travel of the ring, which is only about 1/4-inch below the top of any cylinder. In case of ridges they should be absolutely cleared using a ridge reamer before trying to disassemble the pistons otherwise they will be damaged. After clearing the ridges, invert the engine, that is, with the crankshaft upwards. Prior to removing connecting rods, verify the end play with feelers, and make sure that they slide freely between the first connecting rod and the crankshaft throw. When the endplay is greater than the given limit then new connecting rods might be needed and when new rods or a crankshaft is fitted, machining might be needed to achieve the appropriate endplay. Identify the connecting rod and caps; in case they are not marked, they should be marked with a center punch. Relax the connecting rod cap nuts one at a time until they can be removed manually, and remove the number one connecting rod cap and bearing insert without dropping the bearing insert. In order to cushion the crankshaft journal and cylinder wall when the piston is removed, slip a short length of plastic or rubber hose over each connecting rod cap bolt. Take off the bearing insert and drive the connecting rod/piston assembly out of the engine by pushing the top of the bearing with a wooden hammer handle. When resistance is experienced, make sure all the ridge is removed. Continue with the same procedure on the rest of the cylinders, turning the crankshaft as necessary so that the rod fits into the cylinder bore. Once removed, reintroduce the connecting rod caps and bearing inserts in each of the respective rods, and ensure the cap nuts or bolts are finger tight to avoid inadvertent injury to the bearing surfaces. The pistons should not be disconnected with the connecting rods.