Quote:
Originally Posted by Binx
I'm measuring my rod big ends to determine if I need them re-sized. Since I don't have the proper rod vise, I tightened them wrench tight in hand and found all but one measure minimum spec (2.2905") lengthwise and maximum spec (2.2910") crosswise. All the big ends have crisp hone marks all the way around. I thought the wear would show lengthwise but this seems to be the opposite. Though tagged as a rebuild in 1972, the motor was obviously taken off the road shortly after since even the bores are in spec for the oversize. So was this maybe a machine shop method to tighten them up lengthwise in anticipation of future stretch or will fully torqued caps reveal different measurements?
Thanks for your help
Lonnie
|
Hi Lonnie, best to torque them a up then measure!
Torque is 45#/50# with oil!
Many of the Ford rods, especially the "FE" series, were "wide" at the parting lines, you simply couldn't "shrink" the holes diametrically no matter how much you took off both the rods or the caps (without destroying the rods)! In the end it wasn't all that critical as long as the vertical dimensions were held. Same scenario on the Flathead rods!
Years ago when we worked with these rods we would make certain to finish hone them to the "small" dimension. It created some add'l "holding power" (crush) on the brgs due to the "sides" being slightly "relaxed"!
Thanks, Gary in N.Y.
P.S. The bearings today are NOT round (on the I.D.) when installed, they are more "football" shaped by design!