Usage:
All Engines
Reference: Guideline For Reusable Parts SEBF8064, "Salvage Of Non-Serrated Connecting Rods. "
Illustration 1. Example of twist and bend of a connecting rod.
Engines that experience failures from hydraulic lock in a cylinder may also experience bent connecting rods. Examples of failures involving a hydraulic lock in the cylinder may include aftercooler core leaks or cracked cylinder heads. Inspecting connecting rods during the first repair may prevent more severe failures caused by broken connecting rods.
Check connecting rods for bend, twist and pin bore to crankshaft bore distance on any cylinders that experience hydraulic lock. Also, use Magna Flux or a similar process to check the connecting rods for cracks.
Inspection for normal bend and twist should include the examples shown in Illustration 1.
Illustration 2 shows another type of bending damage associated with failures experiencing a hydraulic lock.
Illustration 2. Possible bending damage from hydraulic lock.
A close visual inspection should be made to determine any bending damage as shown in Illustration 2. Even if the connecting rod is only slightly bent, the pin bore to crankshaft bore distance may still be within specifications. For this reason, the visual check is of increased importance, and any questionable connecting rod should be replaced.
Inspection procedures given in the reference guideline should be closely followed to prevent failures from salvaged connecting rods.