February 3, 2017

The best way to understand the connecting rod crack testing and repairs

All the engine builders face the need to look for damage to parts that need to be repaired or replaced. They have a variety of methods available to them to help detect connecting rod cracks, flaws or other anomalies that may lead to damage down the road. It is right that every crack is not a serious concern depending on its location or circumstance, but this can create a big disaster if not repaired. Even if a crack isn’t very big or it isn’t leaking at the moment, there’s no guarantee it will stay that way.

Types of Connecting Rods Tests

In the case of connecting rods tests, it can be checked in detail because the connecting rod is the main part of an engine and is in continuous movement, that’s why the connecting rods must be checked very thoroughly. Below are the detailed tests which are involved in the connecting rods tests.

• Crack test
• Connecting Rod Straightening Test
• A length Check
• Connecting rods Hardness Testing
• Piston pin bore diameter size check
• Connecting Rod bearing tunnel diameter size check
• Connecting Rod Round test

Test the Connecting Rods

The connecting rods are crack tested by a connecting rod crack test mechanics. The connecting rod is magnetized, using an electromagnet, and a mixture of Magnaflux powder and kerosene is sprayed over it. If there is a crack, the powder will congregate along the crack and black light will highlight it clearly. Make sure that the connecting rod crack test operator must be experienced in crack testing because a crack may be missed due to inexperience.

Process of Connecting Rod Repairs

Connecting rod can also be repaired by following the below steps.

• Clean and dismantle the connecting rod
• Check the connecting rods for damage, cracks, overheating and ovality in the big-end bore, as well as check the damage in the small-end bore
• Spark erosion technology is used for serration reconditioning
• Big end bore is then re-machined to the specific diameter
• If required, carry out the short peening of the bore
• In the final step, connecting rod quality is checked and fitted by using the new nuts and bolts

In this way the connecting rod can be repaired. The connecting rod crack test is also very essential to get the best performance from your engine.