Removing rod caps...

[Sharp Rock]

Guys,

I could not find this searching. What is the best or recommended way to remove the rod caps after torquing when checking clearances with plastigage? I don't want to bugger things up.

Thanks,

Jerry

[herbiehind]

loosen the nuts and tap the bolts with brass or plastic hammer , the cap will separate from rod .

[5-90]

I've had good luck tapping the top of the piston with a soft mallet - even tapping the bolts can screw up your Plastigage readings. What is needed is a short, sharp shock that won't drive the big end cap any closer to the crankpin than it is already (or you'll get a "false close" reading when you get the cap off...)

Honestly, I find it easier to torque the rod cap and bearings empty and measure directly, then measure the crankpin, and compute. More accurate than Plastigage - unless you know how it's been handled in storage, you've only got good odds of getting useful results anyhow. Houses like MSC Direct, ENCO, or other MRO supply shops can get you a set of 0-6" mikes and a set of bore gages for a reasonable price.

[Sharp Rock]

Thanks much for the info.

I'll be getting after it this weekend. Hoping no issues, and can just put it together.

Jerry