rod cap alignment

[fishingdave]

Can any give me a hand on how to properly do the alignment a the rod caps of my 1989 v4 crossflow with out using the tool. I end up geting one side of the flat part flush but unable to get the other side. If anyone can post a full procedure on how to do this, it would be very much apreciated.<br /><br />Thanks <br />all<br />Dave

 

[OBJ]

Re: rod cap alignment

Couple things to remember Dave....<br /><br />The rod caps will only fit one rod....that's the one they were broken off of.<br /><br />Make sure the alignment dots are together on one side.<br /><br />You can use a sharp pencil to check for alignment. Sometimes you just gotta play with them till they are lined up. I have used a small hammer to tap them for alignment. It can be difficult at times. The edges where the cap and rod meet can be mushroomed a little which will make it feel like it's not lined up.<br /><br />Use your eyeball. If the crack between the halves are not really discernable, the caps are most likely in alignment.<br /><br />I will torque the caps in three steps. Helps keep the alignment.

 

[G DANE]

Re: rod cap alignment

What OBJ says. <br />Ive met a couple that couldnt get even on both sides too. Try to look only at the tapered corners, as the sides can be mushroomed like Jim said. If in doubt, try to assemble one without the bearing and cranck in it and look if there is a line where the rollers are to run. You probably worry for no reason, I did. Apply torque gradually, like OBJ's advise.

 

[fishingdave]

Re: rod cap alignment

thanks I will try that today, so I should only try to align the flat side and the two tapered corners, apply some torque and tap it into place. The sides that you are talking about that get mushroomed , are thoses the flat sides??<br /><br />Thanks<br />dave

 

[G DANE]

Re: rod cap alignment

No, you have to start with positioning them and check while you increase torque. If you move them while torqued, the broken surfaces will be somewhat grinded making right assembly more difficult. The tool centers them by the four tapered edges. Never had the tool though.

 

[fishingdave]

Re: rod cap alignment

okay i think i got it, I need to make sure the two tapered parts(next to the holes) are flush on each side of the rod. Lightly torque, with a slight tap if need be. Now what about the big flat sides- do they have to be flush ? because that is were i feel the lip, one side is perfect while the other extends out just a slight hair. Your right this a pain to do. lol<br /><br />Thanks<br />dave

 

[Dhadley]

Re: rod cap alignment

Truthfully if its a pain, somethings wrong. If youre sure you have the right cap on the right rod -- they cannot be switched -- assemble the rod while its not on the crank. Check the inside. Thats what we worry about. If the inside does not line up when the cap is on, get another rod.

 

[NEECAPRS]

Re: rod cap alignment

Dave, <br />You're not wanting for much by not having the tool. Sometimes they don't work anyway because the rod chamfers were incorrectly ground. Then freehand and not even watching is just as good.<br />What we (NEECA)do on all rods, especially Mercs which aren't set up for a tool, is squeeze the caps in a soft-jawed vice until the cap will seat correctly on the rod body with only index finger pressure. Correctly means that the ROD BORE has no steps.<br />Along with tapping the overhanging side in with a hammer, some pressure from a C-clamp helps(Cheap tool). <br />All cracked rod caps end up about .010" longer than the body due to the cracking fixture shapes.<br />Good Luck!!