Changing rod bolts

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by Pete Muenzer

Robert, this has always been an interesting topic. I have always been told whenever changing rod bolts the rods must be resized. I have always been afraid to ask this question because I am not a professional engine builder and do take the advice of those on here because they have much more knowledge on this than I ever could possibly learn. My question is, Is it possible to clamp the rod on the crankshaft, torque it down to spec then change one bolt at a time using the crank as a mandrel to keep the rod end in shape? I read this method in an old engine building book I have on Big Block Chevys. Also when changing rod bolts that have dowels and cap screws instead of bolts is it still necessary to get them resized? All of these are just questions from a novice so don't be too hard on me.

Pete,

I'm not a professional engine builder myself. I put reman diesel engines together everyday but they're a different animal. Yes, the resizing issue is what I'm concerned about. These rods already have aftermarket bolts in them. I have a high end circle track shop down the road from where I work. I may just take one of the rods over there and see if they can come up with some suitable replacement nuts. That would alleviate changing out the bolts and potentially having to rework the rods. I'm pretty sure I'm not the first person that has ever lost a rod nut or two, LOL!

As far as being afraid to ask a question. Here's my take. There are a lot of things I know. There are also a lot of things I don't. There are only a couple real ways you learn, either by asking those more knowledgable than yourself, then taking that information and do your own research to verify if it is indeed good. Or do something and observe the results, sometimes that works, other times it doesn't. When it comes to cars, you got to be "not afraid" to ask questions.

Robert Swartz