Connecting rod bolts

[Guest]

Hello

I'm doing a basic rebuild of my stag engine.
Trying to go as economically as possible.

I was wondering if I could reuse the con rod bolts and nuts

It's going to be a basic engine. No racing here!!!

Thanks
Joe

[flying farmer]

I have never heard of a con rod bolt failure and have only ever replaced one during several engine rebuilds.
That was because it just didn't feel right compared to the others as it reached the torque setting.

It felt like it was stretching rather than tightening, the greatest danger I suppose is that the rod bolts have been overtightened in a previous rebuild.

The same bolts were used on the Dolomite Sprint engine which had a bigger, heavier piston and a longer stroke but used the same 6500rpm red line. They should be under considerably less stress in the Stag engine.

Neil

[GDPR]

With Neil there. Happy to reuse big end bolts subject to them feeling right. Only exception is if a rod has had a serious bearing failure, and has marks from overheating, then it's not worth the risk for a couple of quid

[Guest]

That sounds like good advice

Thank you much

Joe

[GDPR]

Maybe I should qualify my last remark regarding the rod overheating - I am referring to the bearing shells having overheated, in which event you should be having the big end eye checked for ovality and twist in the rod between bearing axis, and if there are any signs of the bearing shell having spun up in the rod, it should be scrapped and not just the bolts changed