Q: How to remove the piston/connect rod assemblies on Nissan Pathfinder?
A: Prior to removing the piston/connecting rod assemblies, remove the Cylinder Heads, the oil pan, the windage tray (3.5L engine only) and the oil pump pick-up. 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 side clearance (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. Slip a short length of plastic or rubber hose over each connecting rod cap bolt to protect the crankshaft journal and cylinder wall as the piston is removed. Remove the bearing insert and 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.