Loose Rod

chrs1961815 said:
I do need to bring out the micrometers and do some measuring. Discovered the bearings are .030, and this is on new AER rods.

I have not talked to the shop yet. I want to try and solve this on my own, but it is looking like maybe not. I have some shims coming on the way as an option.
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Guys: Look at his post above. He states he is using AER (Antique Engine Rebuilding) rods. If these rods and inserts were purchased within the last 8 years, the inserts are not tri-metal. They consist of a steel shell with bearing grade aluminum applied. The aluminum is quite thick when compared to the last layer of a typical tri-metal bearing.

The rod bolt spec for torque on an AER rod is 35#. I recall from his earlier post that he was torquing to 45#. (50# in one case.) If he is torquing to 45#, he could be twisting the cap and binding the bearing... "More" is not "better" when torquing to a manufacturer's spec.

I have used lots of the rods and inserts from AER and they have all been consistent in sizing. ("Lots" equals over 180 sets...that's over 720 rods and insert shells)

Given he changed a loose rod to a different journal and it corrected the problem...either his method of assembly has changed or the diameter of the rod journals vary. Or am I missing something here? I still suspect the rod journal diameter is not consistent.

Follow-up:
I just saw his follow-up posted while I was typing this. He had the rod caps interchanged. Problem solved. Good! But...I still suspect the rod journal diameter is not consistent.
Good Day!
 
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chrs1961815 said:
Problem solved. It was human error on my part: I accidentally switched the rod caps between the two. Now they fit perfectly. Mistakes happen.
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See, it is good that we kept nagging at you. Now you can have a good time touring the countryside. I'll bet you never do that again.
 
Bravo!

Honest mistake, but something to ponder, as technology changes so does the discipline.

Put it together and enjoy, J
 
This just didn't add up, something was wrong. Its nice the problem was found, but, the rods and caps should have been marked.
 
Patrick L. said:
This just didn't add up, something was wrong. Its nice the problem was found, but, the rods and caps should have been marked.
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"but, the rods and caps should have been marked."

They are.

Each rod has a unique number within a set of 4. The rod and cap are each stamped with the same number on one side.

Keeping the numbers directly aligning on the cap and rod is how you know which way to install the cap on the rod. (and, in this case, which cap goes with which rod.)
Good Day!
 
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Welcome to the learning curve. I thought maybe the rods where mixed up from where the shop machined them and fit them. Usually it's fit and marked. Glad I'm not the only one that does these things!! JP
 
Tinbasher said:
Welcome to the learning curve. I thought maybe the rods where mixed up from where the shop machined them and fit them. Usually it's fit and marked. Glad I'm not the only one that does these things!! JP
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Same here! Honest mistakes are OKAY as long as you recognize them.
 
Mistakes are just a part of learning. If any mechanic ever tells you they've never made one then he's pulling your leg. In your case you caught it before it got out of hand so that's a good thing and will make you feel a lot more confident. It makes a person careful to check things completely before changing tactics that might do more damage than good.

I've found that the guys who admit mistakes quickly and move on are much less likely to make mistakes in the future. It's a sign of good character and something a few of folks I've know over the years could use more of.
 
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