POLISHING THE BIG END Starting to see more and more cracked (powdered metal) connecting rods these days. After checking to make sure the size is correct, I use a plateau brush with a few drops of oil to clean up any rust or dirt. If you have a finished set of rods...

COUTERWEIGHT CLEARANCE When installing a shorter connecting rod than a crankshaft was meant for, it is sometimes necessary to clearance the counterweights. A quick reference we do is to use the shorter connecting rod as a guide to mark how much counterweight needs to...

USED CRANK SPROCKET When balancing an externally balanced crankshaft, the harmonic damper needs to be installed at the correct location against the timing gear to maintain proper balance. Sometimes you might get a balance job and the timing gear is not on the crank....

BOBWEIGHT PLACEMENT I always “phase” my bobweights. I start by screwing in a couple bolts into the crankshaft flange. It seems to be a good starting place and seems to place the first throw up. I level across the bolts then 0 my degree wheel. Then I level each...

SHIM IT We shim many different components to get square or level before we machine. Don't forget the rod and cap when cutting for resizing. Shim to get the parting surface to cut as the factory did whether it's 90 degrees to the sides or not, and your rods will turn...

TAP-TAP DOWEL REMOVAL When attempting to remove a locating dowel pin from a connecting rod, screw in a tap with the same diameter as the dowel pin. Then use a punch or drift to hit against the tap from the other side. The tap will grip the dowel pin and keep you from...