Connecting Rod: Service and Repair

Fit all rods on one bank until complete.

The bearing caps are not interchangeable and should be marked at removal to insure correct assembly.

The bearing shells must be installed with the tangs inserted into the machined grooves in the rods and caps. Install cap with the tangs on the same side as the rod.

Limits of taper or out-of-round on any crankshaft journals should be held to 0.025 mm (0.001 inch). Bearings are available in 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) and 0.250 mm (0.010 inch) undersize. Install the bearings in pairs. Do not use a new bearing half with an old bearing half. Do not file the rods or bearing caps.

Checking Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance:

1. Follow procedure specified in the Standard Service Information, Measuring With Plastigage, found under Engine, Service and Repair for Measuring Main Bearing Clearance and Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance. Measuring With Plastigage

Check For Stretched (Necked) Bolts:

NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should be examined before reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts should be replaced. Necking can be checked by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale the bolt should be replaced.

2. Before installing the nuts the threads should be oiled with engine oil.
3. Install nuts finger tight on each bolt then alternately torque each nut to assemble the cap properly.
4. Tighten the nuts to 54 Nm PLUS 1/4 turn (40 ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).

Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance:

5. Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance. Refer to Connecting Rod Specification Chart.

Connecting Rod Specification Chart: