Simple to Understand Engine Connecting Rods Straightening

January 30, 2017

Engine connecting rod straightening, a must for good engine health

Engine rods are one of the most critical pieces of the engine and under great strain when in operation, so you must pay attention to details during the rebuilding process. When it comes to the service of connecting rod, there are many things to consider. There are many times when reconditioning the connecting rod is a necessary part of engine rebuilding. Most probably, it is acceptable and significantly less expensive, to repair or rebuild instead of doing replacement a set of rods. Lots of engine builders and mechanics prefer to recondition the engine connecting rods whenever possible because the components are typically expensive to replace and it’s not always necessary. However, like the other al parts of the engine, there are the best practices that are necessary to assure a quality engine build and to avoid costly comebacks.

How to do engine connecting rods straightening?

First of all, if engine connecting rod straightening or repair is required, the rods involve thorough cleaning to check any visible damage. Once they are cleaned, you may find obvious clues that damage exists like knicks and burrs, or discolored rods or bends are the clear signs of a rod that will fail down the road.

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)

In the next step, you need to put the connecting rods through a magnetic particle inspection (MPI). This step is very important because it reveals any hidden damage like cracks or other stresses. If the rods still look to be in good shape, then there must be a bend and twist check which is too much, may negate the rest of the reconditioning process.     If there is too much twist and bend in connecting rods, there are vital chances of an over-revved engine or insufficient oil change, and if not properly straightened or replaced, it will certainly lead to engine failure.

Proper Inspection of Engine Connecting Rods

It is not necessary for only old or used engine connecting rods to be inspected, even if you buy a new set of connecting rods, you should always check them thoroughly because it is not sure when one will be out of spec and create problems down the road.