The Ford Barn

CatMan1 · 08-04-2021, 07:13 AM

Sorry.....I have to learn somehow. I haven't gotten into the engine yet, but I assume that both the Main Bearings & Rod Caps have cotter pins? I have bought new ones because I'm sure it's best to change them out. What happens if after torquing the bolts/nuts down the hole doesn't line up for installation of the cotter pin? Do you loosen it or tighten it at that point? Am I worried about too many little things?

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 08-04-2021, 07:23 AM

Depends on how far off the alignment is off. If a half of a hole off, then just tighten. If too far off, just file a tad off the mating surface of the nut. Remember that any torque value that you are using are just a reference and are not absolute.

Patrick L. · 08-04-2021, 12:46 PM

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What Brent said.

Cotters are cheap and should be replaced correctly.

Torque wrenches weren't used when these monsters were made. Snug up the fasteners to what spec you want and then turn a bit more until the cotter drops in. If you need to take some off a nut, then you could try swapping nuts around, or, I sand them down using a piece of glass.

08-04-2021, 07:13 AM	#1
CatMan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Pella, IA Posts: 337	Another Main Bearing Question...... Sorry.....I have to learn somehow. I haven't gotten into the engine yet, but I assume that both the Main Bearings & Rod Caps have cotter pins? I have bought new ones because I'm sure it's best to change them out. What happens if after torquing the bolts/nuts down the hole doesn't line up for installation of the cotter pin? Do you loosen it or tighten it at that point? Am I worried about too many little things?

08-04-2021, 07:23 AM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,516	Re: Another Main Bearing Question...... Depends on how far off the alignment is off. If a half of a hole off, then just tighten. If too far off, just file a tad off the mating surface of the nut. Remember that any torque value that you are using are just a reference and are not absolute. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

08-04-2021, 12:46 PM	#3
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Another Main Bearing Question...... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) What Brent said. Cotters are cheap and should be replaced correctly. Torque wrenches weren't used when these monsters were made. Snug up the fasteners to what spec you want and then turn a bit more until the cotter drops in. If you need to take some off a nut, then you could try swapping nuts around, or, I sand them down using a piece of glass.