Superior grinds and hones the big end of the rod to the
high end of the manufacturer's spec. In this case, 2.4369" |
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With the proper honing mandrel in place, the rod and cap
assemblies were run on this rod reconditioning machine. |
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This gauge verifies that the honed rod and cap assemblies
meet the specification. All eight sets were processed
on the rod reconditioning machine. |
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It was time to move on to the small end of the rod. First
step was to verify the pin diameters. |
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From the micrometer to the rod reconditioning machine,
the pin diameter figure is transferred. |
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Press fit pins should have a .0010 to .0015 interference
fit with the rod. Each rod's small end is measured to
determine the amount of honing necessary to create the
required interference fit. |
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One of the eight rod's small end is honed accordingly. |
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A honing mandrel verifies the piston's pin bore is sized
appropriately. |
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Once all eight rod and cap assemblies were off the reconditioning
machine, it was on to balancing. Here, Augie finds the
assembly with the lightest big end. |
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The lightest big end was 622 grams. The remaining seven
assemblies were ground on the cap to reach the same weight. |
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The scale is tared with 622 grams on the deck. Now each
rod assembly is measured to determine the lightest small
end. The lightest small end in our case was 216 grams.
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The remaining seven assemblies are ground on the small
end to reach 216 grams. |
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Here's one finished rod assembly. |
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With the rod and cap assemblies ready for pistons, we
needed to balance them as well. The lightest piston is
found and a ball mill removes material on the underside
of the remaining seven to create a matched set. |
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A rod heater expands each rod's pin bore. |
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The expansion allows the pin to be fitted. When the rod
cools, the rod takes a bite onto the pin. The process
was repeated for the remaining seven assemblies. |
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This twist fixture verifies the trueness of the rod and
piston assemblies. |
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Twisted or bent rods will show themselves as gaps between
the stationary and rotating machined surfaces of the fixture. |
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That's right, if a rod is bent or twisted, a little leverage
and patience will bring the rod back to a true state.
Better left to the experts!
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