Prior to removing the piston/connecting rod assemblies, remove the cylinder head(s), the oil pan, and the oil pump pick-up tube. On four-cylinder engines only, remove the engine balancer assembly if not already done. Use your fingernail to feel if a ridge has formed at the upper limit of ring travel. If carbon deposits or cylinder wear have produced ridges, they must be completely removed with a special tool. After the cylinder ridges have been removed, turn the engine upside-down so the crankshaft is facing up. Before the connecting rods are removed, check the endplay with feeler gauges. Slide them between the first connecting rod and the crankshaft throw until the play is removed. Check the connecting rods and caps for identification marks. Loosen each of the connecting rod cap nuts 1/2-turn at a time until they can be removed by hand. Remove the number one connecting rod cap and bearing insert. To protect the crankshaft journals on four-cylinder engines, slip short pieces of rubber hose over the rod bolts before removing the pistons. Push the connecting rod/piston assembly out through the top of the engine. Repeat the procedure for the remaining cylinders. After removal, reassemble the connecting rod caps and bearing inserts in their respective connecting rods and install the cap nuts finger tight. Don't separate the pistons from the connecting rods.