Connecting Rods And Rod Bearings

and replacement of connecting rods and rod bearingsbr Time: 3 hoursbr Tools: standard socket set, rubber mallet, crankshaft socket, breaker bar, feeler gaugebr Cost: approximately 50 for bearings and suppliesbr Tinware: quality set of rod bearings, Plastigage, 38rubber hosebr strongemTip: To avoid scratching or damaging the cylinder walls when removing or installing and rod assemblies, cut two short lengths of 38 hose and slide it over the rod bolts.emstrongbr Performance gains: smooth, reliable operation from the lower rotating assemblybr Rebuilding an engine takes time, attention to detail, and of room. The first thing you need to do is clear out some space in the garage, enabling you to work in an efficient and orderly manner. At this in the game, organization is everything. There are too man small to label and keep track of to work in a messy shop. First off, the motor needs to be thoroughly degreased and mounted on a sturdy, rotation-style engine stand. This will allow for easy access to the lower rotating assembly. Before flipping it over however, the intake manifold and the cylinder heads should be removed from the top of the motor. Remember to drain the engine oil to disassembly. Slowly turn the engine block over so the oil is facing upwards. Remove the retaining bolts and the and label the hardware. In addition to the disengage the oil and extension shaft, and set them aside for added clearance. You now have a clear shot at the connecting rods and their caps. The rods are attached to the crankshaft by two bolts and a cap. Grooved inside both the connecting rod and the cap is a machined bearing. The bearing rides directly on the surface of the crank- reducing friction and minimizing wear. a href"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-11.jpg"img class"alignnone size-full wp-image-2013" src"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-11.jpg" alt"shot-1" "600" height"400" abr emWith the oil removed, loosen the connecting rod caps from the crankshaft.embr Before removing any components from the rotating assembly, you first need to stamp and label the in relation to each other. This will simplify the installation and guarantee fit. Mark the connecting rod cap for each cylinder to its respective rod with a scribe. Each cap must be reinstalled on the correct rod in the correct direction. At this loosen and remove the rod bearing cap and the rod bearing. a href"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-21.jpg"img class"alignnone size-full wp-image-2014" src"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-21.jpg" alt"shot-2" "600" height"415" abr emThe connecting rod and its cap is stamped with their cylinder designation.embr a href"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-31.jpg"img class"alignnone size-full wp-image-2015" src"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-31.jpg" alt"shot-3" "600" height"400" abr emOnce the nuts are removed, the rod bearing caps can be off the crankshaft journal.embr a href"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-41.jpg"img class"alignnone size-full wp-image-2016" src"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-41.jpg" alt"shot-4" "600" height"400" abr emThe bearing shell slips right into the recess of the cap.embr With the caps and bearings removed, the rods and may now slide out of the cylinder bores. Coat the cylinder walls with clean engine oil to the inner surfaces and ease the out. It may be necessary to lightly tap the ends of the rods with a mallet to initiate the Once the rod and assembly is removed from the block, reconnect the cap and nuts. Again, label the rod and the in relation to its designated bore in the engine block. a href"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-5.jpg"img class"alignnone size-full wp-image-2017" src"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504shot-5.jpg" alt"shot-5" "600" height"400" abr emWith a little tap below from the mallet, the and rod assembly should slide straight out.embr Now its time to replace the rod bearings. The connecting rod bearings consist of two halves or shells that are interchangeable in both the rod and the cap. With the bearings in the ends will extend slightly beyond the rod and cap surfaces to ensure seating when tightened down. Its important to closely inspect the bearings once the rods and caps have been removed. Any flaking or scoring in the surface indicates excessive wear, as they should definitely be replaced. Be sure to check for clearance on the crank journal as well. If the crank shows any signs of ridging or damage, the crank must either be replaced or reground and fitted with undersize bearings. a href"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504Plastigage.jpg"img class"alignnone size-full wp-image-2012" src"http:blog.ecklerscorvette.comwp-contentuploads201504Plastigage.jpg" alt"Plastigage" "500" height"182" abr The best way to check for the correct rod-to-crankshaft bearing clearance is to use Plastigage. After cleaning the bearing shell and the crank journal, a of the gauging material lengthwise along the bottom center of the lower bearing shell. Install the cap with the shell and torque the nuts to spec. Be careful not to turn the crank while the material is in the bearing. Upon removing the cap, the material will be flattened and stuck to either surface. Using the scale with the measure the material at its widest (in thousandths of an inch). Check the manufacturers specifications for the desired clearance for your motor. Keep in mind you may need to undersize bearings in order to achieve the specified gap. When this is accomplished, re-clean the journals and install the new bearings. strongBe sure to coat the bearings, the cylinder walls, and the crank journals with clean engine oil to reinstallation.strongbr One at a time, insert the rod and assembly back into its designated cylinder bore in the engine block. The direction of the the rod, and the cap should be identical to the breakdown. The notch in the top surface of each should be facing the front of the motor when installed. The rod bearing caps should remain loosely fitted on the crank journal until all and rod assemblies have been installed. Finally, check the clearance between the sides of the rods and the crankshaft using a feeler gauge. Make sure everything is within factory recommended spec. Proceed to reinstall the oil and emThere are of useful videos on strongreplacing rod bearings and connecting rods on youtube.comstrong This article, combined with some actual video may help you with your Good luck!emp