Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing piston rods from an internal combustion engine that prevents metal to metal contact between the piston rod and other engine components. The apparatus disclosed is a piston rod guide which includes two hollow legs that are spaced sufficiently apart such that each hollow leg fits on either side of the crankshaft and sufficiently close such that the hollow legs can pass through the cylinder bore. Each hollow leg has a large enough inside diameter that a piston rod bolt can be fit inside. The apparatus disclosed is straddled over the engine's crankshaft and each hollow leg pushed onto a piston rod bolt. The piston rod can now be installed or removed without damaging metal to metal contact between the piston rod and internal parts of the engine as the apparatus guides the piston rod through the cylinder bore. During installation, the apparatus further restricts the piston rod bolts to align themselves over the crankshaft.